Layered Fabric Target Mounting for Indoor Airsoft Pellet Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Airsoft target backstops are unsafe for indoor use with powerful Airsoft guns, as they fail to prevent ricochets and are not suitable for dynamic shooting scenarios, and existing systems are either expensive or not designed for Airsoft pellets.
Innovation Solution
A fabric-based apparatus with a penetrable front panel and non-penetrable rear panel, using different fabrics for each, to trap pellets between panels, preventing ricochets and allowing easy collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mesh catcher is used as a backstop, then it is suitable for indoor use and can be positioned on a flat surface, but it cannot stop powerful Airsoft pellets and may topple over or move from its position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the backstop by using a solid panel structure instead of a mesh structure. The solid panel has sufficient mass and structural integrity to stop powerful Airsoft pellets while maintaining the ability to be positioned on flat surfaces. This resolves the contradiction by transforming the backstop from a lightweight mesh to a substantially solid construction that can reliably stop pellets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining a substantially solid front panel with a rear panel, creating a layered structure that effectively stops pellets. The front panel provides the primary stopping surface while the rear panel ensures complete containment. This composite approach maintains ease of positioning while achieving reliable pellet stopping capability.
2Reliability
If a solid backstop is used to prevent ricochets, then safety is improved, but the cost increases significantly due to electronic systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive solid panel construction that can be manufactured at low cost using basic materials. Rather than using expensive electronic target systems, the invention uses a straightforward solid front panel with a rear panel that provides reliable ricochet prevention through passive mechanical means. This resolves the contradiction by achieving safety through a low-cost, non-electronic solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential safety function from complex electronic systems and implements it through a simple solid panel structure. By removing electronic components and using only a substantially solid front panel and rear panel, the invention achieves ricochet prevention at minimal cost while maintaining reliable safety performance.
3Ease of operation
If a mesh catcher is used, then it allows pellet collection, but it is not suitable for dynamic shooting scenarios such as assault course training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameter from a lightweight mesh to a substantially solid front panel that can withstand dynamic shooting scenarios. The solid construction provides the stability and durability needed for assault course training and other dynamic activities while still allowing pellets to be contained and collected between the front and rear panels. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining pellet collection capability while enabling use in dynamic scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for mounting a target for Airsoft pellets comprises a front fabric panel and a rear fabric panel of denser material, spaced apart wherein the target can be mounted on the front panel, the front panel is penetrable by an Airsoft pellet fired at point blank range, the rear panel is not penetrable by an Airsoft pellet fired at point blank range, and the front panel is not penetrable by a pellet that rebounds off the rear panel. Airsoft pellets fired at the apparatus are trapped between the panels for easy recovery.