Remote Ignition Device Layered Smoke Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional shooting targets provide minimal indication of impact accuracy and duration, with existing solutions offering brief visual and auditory cues that do not allow for sufficient observation of hit accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A remote ignition device comprising an igniter element, a fuel/oxidizer element, and a smoke generating element, configured in a layered or stacked configuration to produce a long-lasting (>5 sec.) color-indicating smoke response upon impact, allowing for greater accuracy feedback and wider target design flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional paper range targets are used, then the target structure is simple and low cost, but the indication of impact accuracy is minimal and requires spotting scope observation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact accuracy indicationVSAvoidtarget structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses color-changing indicators (smoke colors, phosphorescent materials, or thermochromic materials) to indicate different impact accuracy levels. Different zones of the target produce different colors when struck, providing immediate visual feedback about shot accuracy without requiring complex electronics or additional observation equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Duration of action of moving object

If moving targets like clay pigeons with flash and bang indication are used, then impact indication is provided, but the indication duration is brief and limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindication durationVSAvoidindication observability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs smoke generation that continues for an extended period after impact, rather than a brief flash. The smoke persists long enough to allow multiple observers to see and record the impact location and accuracy, providing continuous visual information about the shot result.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Different smoke colors indicate different impact zones or accuracy levels, allowing observers to not only see that an impact occurred but also immediately assess the accuracy of the shot based on the color produced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Measurement precision

If exploding targets like tannerite targets are used, then a visible flash and audible bang provide impact indication, but the indication lasts very briefly and provides minimal accuracy information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy feedbackVSAvoidindication duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses color-coded smoke or color-changing materials to indicate different accuracy levels. When different zones of the target are struck, they produce distinct colors, allowing shooters to immediately assess accuracy without waiting for additional observation equipment or prolonged indication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of a brief explosive flash, the patent generates sustained smoke that continues to rise and remain visible for several seconds, providing continuous visual feedback about the impact location and accuracy throughout the observation period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Use of energy by moving object

If conventional indicating targets with large size are used, then impact indication is provided, but the feedback on accuracy is minimal and impact energy requirements are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact energy requirementVSAvoidaccuracy indication quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs color-changing indicators that can be triggered by low impact energies. Different zones produce different colors when struck, providing detailed accuracy feedback without requiring high-impact projectiles, thus enabling use with various firearm types including pistols and rifles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 device provides a prolonged smoke response lasting up to 20 seconds or more, enabling clear observation of hit accuracy and allowing multiple targets to be designed with varying smoke colors, suitable for mass production and low-cost implementation.

Implementation Method 1

impact of the igniter element causes ignition of the fuel/oxidizer element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact-induced ignition: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

ignition of the fuel/oxidizer element and further causes the smoke generating element to release a visible smoke

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 3

causes the smoke generating element to release a visible smoke

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion with smoke generation: Combustion

Data Source

PatentUS11150058B2Remote ignition device providing visual indication of a strike
Publication Date: 2021.10.19 TARGET FLARES LLC
  • US11150058B2 patent drawing
  • US11150058B2 patent drawing
  • US11150058B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A remote ignition device includes an igniter element, a fuel/oxidizer element, and a smoke generating element. Each of the igniter element, the fuel/oxidizer element, and the smoke generating element is configured in a layered configuration such that impact of the igniter element causes ignition of the fuel/oxidizer element and further causes the smoke generating element to release a visible smoke. Shooting targets incorporating the remote ignition device and methods of making the remote ignition device are also described.