Pivotable Target Support Member Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing target reset systems are often expensive, not compact enough, difficult to scale, and not portable, with exposed components vulnerable to stray projectiles.
Innovation Solution
A target reset system featuring a frame with pivotable target support members and an actuator that moves targets between stowage and use positions, using a spring mechanism and ratchet system for efficient target switching and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple targets are provided for shooting practice, then the user can hide and show targets sequentially, but the system becomes expensive and not portable
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple target support members are combined into a single integrated frame structure, sharing common components such as the actuator, spring mechanism, and housing. This merging reduces overall system complexity and cost while maintaining the capability to sequentially present multiple targets for shooting practice
Solution Approach 2:
The frame and actuator mechanism serve multiple functions: they support multiple target support members, provide sequential target presentation, enable resetting to initial positions, and protect targets when retracted. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, lowering system complexity and improving portability
2Ease of operation
If targets are exposed for shooting, then the user can shoot at targets, but portions are exposed to impact from stray projectiles
Solution Approach 1:
The target support members are designed to be dynamically positionable between an exposed shooting position and a retracted protective position. The spring mechanism enables automatic resetting to the protective position after shooting, while the actuator can manually retract targets to shield against stray projectiles. This dynamic positioning provides both target accessibility and protection against harmful factors
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented, then the system size is reduced, but scaling to hold fewer or more targets becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular target support members that can be independently added or removed from the frame. Each target support member is a self-contained unit with its own spring and actuation interface, allowing the system to be easily scaled by simply changing the number of modules while maintaining compact integration through the shared frame structure
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 provides a cost-effective, compact, and scalable solution for target switching, protecting against stray projectiles and enabling easy portability while allowing sequential target presentation for shooting practice.
Implementation Method 1
The target support member spring has a first spring end connected to the target support member and having a second spring end, wherein the first spring end is lockable to the frame to hold the target support member in the stowage position. When the first spring end is unlocked from the frame while the second spring end is locked to the frame, the target support member spring pivots the target support member from the stowage position to the use position.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, there is provided a target reset system, which includes a frame, a plurality of target control arrangements and an actuator. The frame includes a pivot shaft. Each target control arrangement includes a target support member and a target support member spring. The target support member is configured to hold a target, and is pivotable on the pivot shaft between a stowage position and a use position. The target support member spring has a first spring end connected to the target support member and having a second spring end, wherein the first spring end is lockable to the frame to hold the target support member in the stowage position. The second spring end is lockable relative to the frame.