Quick Change Target Retainer Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Target sports facilities face challenges in quickly and efficiently replacing degraded targets, which affects convenience, safety, and economics due to repeated impacts from projectiles.
Innovation Solution
A quick change target system featuring a frame with channels and a retainer mechanism that allows for lateral removal and replacement of targets, utilizing sacrificial members and a clamp system to securely hold the target in place, enabling easy swapping of targets when they become degraded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a target is securely fixed in the frame using traditional methods, then the target stability is improved, but the time required to replace the target increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into two separate components: a fixed portion attached to the frame and a movable portion that can be independently actuated. This segmentation allows the movable portion to be quickly released without disturbing the fixed portion, enabling rapid target replacement while maintaining secure fixation during use
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer incorporates a movable portion that can transition between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic capability allows the system to switch between secure fixation (when engaged) and easy removal (when disengaged), resolving the contradiction between stability and replacement speed
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the frame structure is made robust to withstand repeated impacts, then the durability is improved, but the weight and complexity of the frame increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into a skeletal structure with separate rails and cross-members, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function. The channels are formed by combining simple geometric shapes (rectangular tubes), reducing overall complexity while maintaining structural integrity against repeated impacts
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure applies local reinforcement only where needed - the channels providing localized support for target insertion/removal, and the skeletal structure distributing impact forces at critical joints. This avoids unnecessary reinforcement throughout the entire frame, reducing weight and complexity while maintaining durability
3Reliability
If the target is tightly secured in the channel, then the target retention is improved, but the ease of target removal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer's movable portion can dynamically switch between a closed position that tightly secures the target and an open position that allows easy removal. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing both strong retention during use and effortless removal when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The movable retainer portion acts as an intermediary between the fixed frame structure and the target. It provides the securing function when engaged and the release function when disengaged, mediating between the conflicting requirements of retention and ease of removal
Data Source
AI summary
A quick change target system including a frame, a target mounted to the frame, and a retainer movable between a first position retaining the target within the frame and a second position permitting removal of the target from the frame. The target is formed from a plurality of individual members that have markings, which collectively define aiming points on the target.