Optical Measuring Frame for Projectile Penetration Position

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current measuring frames for non-contact optical determination of a projectile's penetration position in sport shooting lack a compact, robust, and cost-effective design that eliminates the use of consumables like acoustic membranes and ensures high precision, while being universally applicable.

Innovation Solution

A measuring frame with at least a first and second radiation source emitting diverging radiation fields that intersect at an angle, combined with optical receiver devices and an optical filter permeable to a specific wavelength range, such as infrared, to optimize signal-to-background ratio and reduce environmental influences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If conventional optical measuring frames use multiple independent light barriers arranged in a fixed grid pattern, then measurement coverage can be achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverage areaVSAvoidnumber of light barriers
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measurement task into segments by using a single light barrier that can be positioned at different locations. Instead of having 500 fixed light barriers covering the entire frame, one light barrier is moved sequentially through different positions (x1, x2, ..., xn) to cover the same measurement area, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic positioning of the light barrier using a drive mechanism that allows the light barrier to move between different measurement positions. This dynamic approach replaces the static fixed grid of 500 light barriers with a single movable light barrier, significantly reducing device complexity while achieving the same measurement coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If acoustic membranes are used in measuring frames, then shot detection can be achieved, but wear and consumption of materials occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshot detection capabilityVSAvoidconsumables
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical acoustic membrane system with an optical measurement system. Instead of using acoustic membranes that physically vibrate and wear out when struck by projectiles, the system uses optical detectors that measure the position of shots without physical contact, eliminating consumables and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If optical filters are added to reduce environmental influences, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepenetration position accuracyVSAvoidoptical filter system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses optical filters to change the wavelength parameters of the light used in measurement. By selecting specific wavelength ranges that are less susceptible to environmental interference (such as sunlight), the system improves measurement precision without requiring complex mechanical or structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If a single movable light barrier is used instead of multiple fixed light barriers, then device complexity and cost decrease, but measurement speed may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of light barriersVSAvoidmeasurement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by rapidly moving the single light barrier through different positions in a systematic sequence. The light barrier visits each measurement position (x1, x2, ..., xn) in rapid succession, creating a periodic measurement cycle that maintains high measurement speed while using only one light barrier instead of 500 fixed ones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 solution provides precise, robust, and cost-effective measurements that are independent of environmental conditions, with the ability to calculate the caliber of the projectile and include a calibration step for plausibility checks, ensuring accurate and reliable shot evaluation.

Implementation Method 1

an optical filter (206), which is permeable at least for a first predetermined wavelength range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

The first wavelength range includes monochromatic radiation from the infrared spectral range, for example 900 nm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 3

a first radiation source for emitting a diverging radiation field and a second radiation source for emitting a second diverging radiation field. The first and second radiation fields intersect at an angle in a plane transverse to a direction of penetration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiverging radiation: Light

Implementation Method 4

At least one first and at least one second optical receiver device are assigned to the first and second radiation sources, receive emitted radiation and evaluate it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3367050B8Measuring frame with optical filter for contactless optical sensing of a penetrating position
Publication Date: 2019.11.20 MEYTON ELEKTRONIK

AI summary

Measuring frame for non-contact optical determination of the penetration position of a projectile (134) through a target surface (102), wherein the measuring frame (100) comprises: at least one first radiation source (120) for emitting a first diverging radiation field (116); at least one second radiation source (120) for emitting a second diverging radiation field (116), wherein the first and second radiation fields intersect at an angle in a plane transverse to a penetration direction; at least one first and at least one second optical receiver device, each assigned to the at least one first and one second radiation source (120);wherein each of the optical receiver devices has an array of optical receiver elements (136) which measure the received radiation intensity, so that a spatially extended shadowing situation resulting from the projectile (134) to be detected is determined, wherein the measuring frame (100) has at least one receiver aperture (118, 118', 118") for filtering out unwanted radiation, and wherein the measuring frame (100) includes at least one optical filter (206) which is transparent at least for a first predetermined wavelength range.