Mesh Recovery Net for Reusing Missed Frangible Aerial Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and waste associated with missed frangible aerial targets in shooting ranges due to their brittle nature, resulting in significant economic burden and environmental impact from scattered debris.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor belt system with a mesh net positioned above ground level to capture intact targets, using rollers and a motorized drive mechanism to transport undamaged targets to a collection area, segregating them from debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If frangible aerial targets are made brittle enough to break upon impact with shotgun pellets, then they achieve sufficient strength to be mechanically launched at high speeds, but over 95% of missed targets break upon ground impact making retrieval uneconomical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a recovery net as an intermediary element positioned in the target fall zone. This net acts as a mediator between the ground and missed targets, intercepting them before they impact the ground and causing damage. The net allows intact targets to be retrieved while permitting fragmented targets to pass through, thereby reducing target loss without affecting the targets' structural integrity during flight.
2Productivity
If the target fall zone area is covered to retrieve missed targets, then target recovery efficiency improves, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The recovery system is segmented into modular components: a net structure divided into multiple panels, a roller mechanism with discrete support rollers, and a collection container. This segmentation allows for easier installation, maintenance, and scalability. The net can be configured to cover the necessary fall zone area while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic target sorting functionality where the net's mesh structure self-selects between retaining intact targets and allowing fragmented ones to pass through. The roller mechanism automatically transports collected targets to the collection container without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving recovery efficiency while keeping operational complexity low.
3Productivity
If a net with small mesh openings is used to retain intact targets, then target retrieval effectiveness improves, but fragmented targets may become trapped increasing debris handling complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The net's mesh opening size is optimized to provide different functional qualities in different scenarios: openings are sized to retain intact targets (approximately 4.33 inches diameter) while allowing smaller fragmented pieces to pass through. This local quality optimization in the mesh structure enables automatic differentiation between usable and unusable targets, improving retrieval effectiveness while simplifying debris handling by allowing fragments to naturally filter through.
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
Reduces operating costs and environmental waste by enabling the recovery and reuse of undamaged targets, enhancing economic efficiency and sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
The net is maintained in a substantially horizontal orientation at an elevation above ground level sufficient to intercept descending targets within the target fall zone
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for recovery of undamaged frangible aerial targets at shooting ranges includes a net positioned horizontally above ground level to cover a target fall zone. The net has mesh openings sized to retain undamaged frangible aerial targets while allowing damaged targets to pass through. The net forms a closed loop around parallel elongated front and rear rollers supported above ground by a plurality of fixed caster assemblies. A motor operatively coupled to at least one roller drives the net in a conveyor-like motion. Undamaged targets landing on the net are transported by the net to a collection area positioned adjacent to the front roller. The system may include friction strips on the rollers to enhance traction and a protective barrier shielding the collection area from stray shotgun pellets, thereby enabling recovery and reuse of targets that would otherwise break upon ground impact.