Reactive Target Panel with Conductive Layers for Impact Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shooting target systems face issues with durability, high costs, lack of portability, difficulty in servicing, inadequate tracking of shooting performance, and limited control over target positioning during shooting events.
Innovation Solution
A target system comprising a target panel with multiple layers, including an outer reinforcement layer, electrically conductive layers, and an insulating layer, which senses projectile impacts by completing an electrical circuit, and a target positioning unit that moves the panel between positions and communicates impact data to a shooter communications device for real-time tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multi-layer conductive targets are used to detect projectile hits, then hit detection capability is achieved, but target durability deteriorates due to heat damage and structural failure
Solution Approach 1:
The target is divided into separate functional layers: a durable outer reinforcement layer that withstands projectile impact and heat, and inner conductive layers that perform hit detection. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The target uses composite material construction combining reinforcement materials (for durability and heat resistance) with conductive materials (for hit detection). This composite structure enables the target to simultaneously achieve high durability and reliable electrical hit detection.
2Ease of operation
If complex target holding and positioning devices are used to control target positioning, then target positioning control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The target holder is designed to accommodate multiple target types and configurations through universal mounting mechanisms. This allows a single holding device to perform various positioning functions without requiring complex specialized mechanisms for each target type.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional fixed targets are used, then target stability is maintained, but adaptability to different shooting scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The target system transitions from fixed static targets to dynamically reconfigurable targets that can be positioned, reoriented, and replaced. The electronic detection system allows for dynamic adaptation to different shooting scenarios while maintaining stability during actual use through secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The target design incorporates universal mounting interfaces and reconfigurable configurations that enable the same target structure to be used across multiple shooting scenarios and positions, enhancing versatility without requiring completely different target designs for each application.
4Measurement precision
If multiple conductive layers are used for hit detection, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive detection system is segmented into separate layers that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. This reduces the manufacturing complexity of each individual layer while maintaining the precision benefits of multiple layers for accurate hit detection and localization.
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 enhanced durability, cost-effectiveness, portability, and real-time performance tracking, allowing for improved shooting scenarios with adaptable and complex target configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The general concept of using the electrical conductivity of a projectile to track 'hits' on a target is well known within the art. The basic premise is that a projectile made of metal or other conductive material passes through two conductive and electrically isolated layers of a target and completes a circuit.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a reactive target system including at least one target panel supported by a respective target positioning unit, and a shooter communications device. The target panel includes first and second electrically conductive layers positioned between first and second outer reinforcement layers, and separated by an electrically insulating layer. The first electrically conductive layer includes a plurality of electrically isolated target zones and a corresponding plurality of electrical connection sites. The second electrically conductive layer provides a common conductor zone and a corresponding electrical connection site. Each of the electrical connection sites are configured to be pierced by and electrically couple to a respective electrical contact element of an attachment mechanism on the target positioning unit. The target positioning unit senses a projectile impact of a target zone of the target panel, moves the target panel between first and second positions, and is controlled by and communicates with the shooter communications device.