Multi-Section Target And Entrapment System For Ricochet Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Less Lethal projectile targets do not effectively absorb the force of ricochets, posing a risk of high-velocity ricochets that can injure shooters or adjacent personnel.
Innovation Solution
A multi-section target system with flexible joints and an entrapment system to absorb and redirect the kinetic energy of projectiles, reducing the likelihood and velocity of ricochets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a dense and durable rubber material target is used to withstand repeated high-velocity impacts, then the target can resist degradation from repeated impacts, but the projectile is deflected back as a ricochet with high velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The target is divided into multiple independent sections (head, torso, limbs) that can move separately. When a projectile impacts one section, only that section absorbs the energy through movement, while other sections remain stationary. This segmentation allows the target to withstand repeated impacts without requiring the entire target to be extremely dense and durable, thereby reducing ricochet velocity while maintaining overall durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The target sections are designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing them to move independently in response to impacts. The sections are suspended or mounted on movable structures that enable them to absorb impact energy through motion. This dynamic response reduces the velocity of ricochets while maintaining target durability, as the moving sections absorb energy that would otherwise be reflected back as high-velocity ricochet.
2Reliability
If a high-density rubber target is used to absorb repeated impacts, then the target exhibits high resistance to degradation, but the projectile energy is not fully absorbed resulting in ricochet
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the target into multiple independent sections, each section can absorb a portion of the projectile's kinetic energy through its own movement and deformation. This distributes the energy absorption across multiple sections rather than requiring a single high-density material to absorb all energy, improving overall energy absorption while maintaining reliability through the durable construction of individual sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The target sections utilize materials with varying density and elasticity parameters optimized for energy absorption. By adjusting these material parameters in different sections, the target achieves superior kinetic energy absorption compared to uniform high-density rubber, while maintaining reliability through the combined effect of multiple sections with optimized material properties.
3Speed
If the target is positioned at short distance from the shooter, then the muzzle velocity is still high at impact, but the target does not have time to absorb much energy resulting in ricochet back at shooter
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic sections are designed to respond extremely quickly to impact, initiating movement and energy absorption almost instantaneously upon projectile contact. This rapid dynamic response allows the target to absorb a significant portion of the projectile's kinetic energy even at short distances where muzzle velocity is high, reducing ricochet velocity before the projectile can bounce back toward the shooter.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented structure allows individual sections to move independently and absorb energy locally at the point of impact. This localized energy absorption occurs immediately upon impact without requiring the entire target to respond, enabling effective energy absorption even at short distances where the projectile impacts with high velocity and has minimal time to transfer energy.
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 system significantly reduces the risk of ricochets by absorbing and dissipating the kinetic energy of projectiles, thereby enhancing safety for shooters and surrounding personnel.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flexible joint connecting the upper section to the middle section such that the middle section hangs below the upper section, and at least one flexible joint connecting the middle section to the bottom section
Implementation Method 2
kinetic energy from an impact by an object is transferred from the point of impact of the object on one of the sections, through the at least one flexible joint to at least one of the other sections
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a multi-section target system configured to absorb the kinetic energy of a less lethal round fired at the target to minimize or prevent ricochets. The sections of the target are connected by connectors configured to both absorb some of the kinetic energy as well as transfer some of the kinetic energy to the other sections of the target. An entrapment system may be located in front of the target that becomes entangled with the round thereby further reducing the round's kinetic energy. The entrapment system may comprise vertical fingers that engage with the round as it first passes through the entrapment fingers then as it rebounds from the target after impact.