Lever Cam Mechanism for Rapid Mannequin Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current target mannequin systems for military and law enforcement training are bulky and costly due to their need for heavy materials to ensure ruggedness, requiring cumbersome and expensive apparatus for deployment and stowage.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus using a lever mechanism with a driven cam and tension member, powered by a motor, which allows for rapid displacement of objects by 90 degrees with restorative force assistance, enabling efficient deployment and stowage of target mannequins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If target mannequins are constructed from heavy materials to ensure ruggedness, then reliability is improved, but weight increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a counterweight mechanism where the heavy mannequin is balanced against a counterweight system, allowing the deployment apparatus to handle reduced effective weight during operation. This enables reliable rugged construction while mitigating the weight burden on the deployment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment system is divided into segmented components including modular deployment apparatus, separate counterweight elements, and distributed structural supports. This segmentation allows the heavy mannequin to be supported by multiple distributed points rather than requiring a single heavy-duty lifting mechanism.
2Reliability
If target mannequins are constructed from heavy materials to ensure ruggedness, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight system balances the heavy mannequin, converting a complex heavy-lifting problem into a simpler balanced system. The counterweight offsets the gravitational force on the mannequin, allowing deployment through lighter, less complex mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the support function across multiple components: the counterweight mechanism, the deployment apparatus, and structural mounting points. This distribution of support functions reduces the complexity burden on any single component.
3Force
If conventional apparatus is used to deploy heavy target mannequins, then lifting capacity is sufficient, but compactness deteriorates and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight mechanism provides lifting capacity through gravitational balance rather than motor power alone. This allows compact deployment apparatus since the counterweight does the heavy lifting work, eliminating the need for large, high-power motors and complex transmission systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic positioning where the mannequin can be deployed to various angles and positions. The counterweight system adapts to different deployment configurations, providing sufficient lifting capacity across multiple positions without requiring oversized apparatus for each specific configuration.
4Force
If conventional apparatus is used to deploy heavy target mannequins, then lifting capacity is sufficient, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight system replaces expensive high-capacity motors and complex control systems with simpler gravitational mechanics. This reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining sufficient lifting capacity, as counterweights are typically simpler, more reliable, and less expensive than equivalent motorized lifting systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus provides a cost-effective and space-efficient solution for deploying and stowing target mannequins, allowing for realistic training scenarios while reducing the need for heavy and expensive equipment, and can be adapted for use with multiple objects and systems.
Implementation Method 1
A driven cam has a trunnion attached proximal to an outer edge thereof, and a tie rod member has an end pivotally attached to the power end of the lever and a second end pivotally attached to the trunnion such that about 180° of rotation of the cam causes about 90° displacement of the power end of the lever.
Implementation Method 2
A tension member is coupled to the power end such that restorative force of the tension member contributes to displacement of the power end in one direction.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for rapidly displacing an object comprises a lever with an object end and a power end. The lever is mounted to a fulcrum between the ends. A driven cam has a trunnion attached proximal to an outer edge thereof, and a tie rod member has an end pivotally attached to the power end of the lever and a second end pivotally attached to the trunnion such that about 180° of rotation of the cam causes about 90° displacement of the power end of said lever. Also, a tension member is coupled to the power end such that restorative force of the tension member contributes to displacement of the power end in one direction. A motor drives rotation of the cam.