Marksmanship Training Target Sub-Target Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional marksmanship training targets provide diminished visual feedback as multiple bullets pass through existing holes, reducing the effectiveness of training over time.

Innovation Solution

A marksmanship training device comprising a support frame with an aperture defining a void, a sub-target within the void, and connectors spanning the void between the support frame and the sub-target, which separate upon bullet impact, allowing the sub-target to detach and providing dynamic aim points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional paper targets are used for marksmanship training, then visual indication of bullet impact location is provided, but visual feedback is reduced as multiple bullets pass through existing holes, diminishing target effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual feedbackVSAvoidtarget effectiveness duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The target is divided into multiple independent sub-targets (first sub-target, second sub-target, etc.) that can be separately detached. Each sub-target is connected to the support frame through individual connectors that can be selectively removed by bullet impacts. This segmentation ensures that damage to one sub-target does not affect the visual feedback capability of other sub-targets, maintaining continuous training effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Damaged or detached sub-targets are discarded from the shooting area while intact sub-targets remain in place. As shooters remove connectors by shooting, detached sub-targets are eliminated from play, and the system recovers by maintaining visual feedback through remaining sub-targets. This allows the target system to adapt and maintain effectiveness throughout extended training sessions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Ease of operation

If all aim points on the target surface are considered equivalent in difficulty, then simple shooting practice is enabled, but training challenge is reduced unless center of mass shooting is used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshooting practice simplicityVSAvoidtraining difficulty variation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the target provide different training challenges through varying sub-target configurations. The first sub-target may require precise center aiming while the second sub-target might be positioned for lateral accuracy practice. Each local area of the target has customized quality characteristics that address specific marksmanship skills, enabling diverse training objectives within a single target system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The target system dynamically adapts its difficulty and configuration as training progresses. Sub-targets are selectively detached based on connector removal, transforming the static target into a dynamic training system that evolves during use. This allows trainers to adjust difficulty levels and focus areas by controlling which sub-targets remain active during shooting practice.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If multiple bullets are fired at the same target area, then repetition practice is achieved, but visual feedback is diminished due to paper target tears

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining repetitionVSAvoidvisual feedback quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The target surface is segmented into multiple independent sub-targets that can be separately removed. When bullets impact connectors holding sub-targets, those specific sub-targets detach while others remain intact and visually clear. This allows continuous repetition of shooting practice without cumulative degradation of visual feedback, as undamaged sub-targets always provide clear impact indication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The target system automatically maintains its visual feedback quality through the mechanical action of bullet impacts. As shooters fire at connectors, the system self-regulates by detaching damaged sub-targets and preserving intact ones, ensuring that visual feedback remains clear without requiring manual intervention or target replacement during training sessions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250116490A1Marksmanship training devices, systems, methods, and games

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 COFATA LLC

AI summary

A representative marksmanship training device includes: a support frame having an outer periphery and an aperture, the aperture at least partially defining a void; a first sub-target, spaced from the aperture, disposed within the void and supported by the support frame; and a first plurality of connectors, each of the first plurality of connectors spanning the void between the support frame and the first sub-target; wherein the first plurality of connectors is configured to separate the first sub-target from the support frame based on discontinuity of each of the first plurality of connectors between the support frame and the first sub-target.