Modular Bullet Bank Segmentation and Deflection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Shooting ranges face challenges in managing spent bullets, particularly lead projectiles, as they contaminate dirt or earth berms, requiring costly and time-consuming mining processes, which disrupt operations and pose environmental concerns.

Innovation Solution

A modular bullet bank system with a unitary rectangular box and collection units featuring a tapered intake funnel and cylindrical bullet decelerator, designed to deflect and collect bullets without causing lead contamination, allowing for easy movement and deployment, and reducing operational downtime and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a dirt or earth berm is used to stop bullets, then bullets are stopped effectively, but lead contamination occurs and costly mining processes are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelead contaminationVSAvoidmining operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bullet bank is divided into multiple modular collection units that can be independently configured and moved. Each unit contains separate collection containers for different bullet types, enabling segmented collection and disposal processes that reduce overall operation time and contamination spread.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A steel deflecting plate serves as an intermediary between the incoming bullet and the collection container. The plate deflects bullets into the collection containers without direct impact, preventing lead contamination of the bullet bank structure itself while still effectively stopping the bullets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional bullet bank is used, then bullets are collected, but the structure is heavy and difficult to relocate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelocation capabilityVSAvoidbullet bank weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The bullet bank system is segmented into multiple lightweight modular collection units that can be independently moved and reconfigured. This segmentation reduces the weight and complexity of each individual unit while maintaining overall collection effectiveness, enabling easy relocation and adaptation to different shooting range configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collection containers utilize thin-walled steel construction with minimal reinforcement, creating lightweight structures that are sufficiently durable for bullet collection but easy to move and reposition. The thin-film approach reduces material weight while maintaining structural integrity through optimized geometry and strategic reinforcement at critical points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If bullets are allowed to drop directly into collection containers, then collection is simple, but bullets cause damage and contamination upon impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebullet impact damageVSAvoidcollection unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A steel deflecting plate is positioned above the collection containers to serve as an intermediary that redirects incoming bullets into the containers at controlled angles. This prevents direct high-velocity impacts on the container walls and reduces lead contamination, while the simple plate geometry keeps the added structural complexity minimal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The collection containers feature curved or conical interior surfaces that guide bullets smoothly toward the bottom of the container. This curvature reduces impact forces by distributing bullet energy across larger surface areas and prevents bullets from bouncing or damaging rigid corners, while maintaining a relatively simple overall container structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 modular bullet bank effectively captures bullets intact, reducing lead contamination and operational disruptions, enabling efficient bullet collection and disposal while minimizing environmental impact and operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

cylindrical bullet decelerator connected to the narrow center portion of the tapered intake funnel and configured for receiving a bullet tangential to an inner wall of the cylindrical bullet decelerator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

cylindrical bullet decelerator...configured for receiving a bullet tangential to an inner wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 3

tapered intake funnel including a narrow center portion and a cylindrical bullet decelerator connected to the narrow center portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20230228542A1Modular bullet bank

Publication Date: 2023.07.20 MILO RANGE

AI summary

A modular bullet bank is provided. A modular bullet bank includes a unitary rectangular box configured for movement as a single unit from location to location and a collection unit contained within the unitary rectangular box and configured for collecting bullets. The unitary rectangular box is constructed with sheet metal container construction walls.