Remote Resetting Target Mechanism for Safe Downrange Practice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sports targets face issues such as the inability to accurately determine hit locations, safety concerns due to projectile penetration, and the need for manual resetting, which can lead to accidents and inconvenience during practice or competition.
Innovation Solution
A remote resetting sports target system with a target plate secured to a holder, rotatably mounted on a base, and actuated by a power source and wireless control, allowing for automated resetting and scoring without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual resetting of targets is performed, then targets can be reset to upright position, but safety risks increase due to personnel needing to walk down range
Solution Approach 1:
The target system performs resetting automatically through its own integrated actuator mechanism, eliminating the need for external manual intervention. The actuator is driven by a power source (battery or external power) and controlled via remote device, allowing the system to service itself without personnel exposure to range hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical resetting action (person physically moving target) is replaced by an automated electromechanical actuator system. The actuator uses electrical power to drive a mechanical linkage that rotates the target holder, substituting human physical effort and exposure with an automated electrical-mechanical system.
2Ease of operation
If pull string mechanism is used for resetting, then remote resetting is achieved, but resetting capability is limited by target weight and distance
Solution Approach 1:
The pull string mechanical system is replaced by an electromechanical actuator driven by a power source. This substitution provides sufficient force to reset targets of various weights and extends the operational distance beyond the limitations of manual pull strings, as the actuator can be positioned within a protective case at the base.
Solution Approach 2:
A power source (battery or external power supply) serves as an intermediary energy source between the control signal and the actuator mechanism. This intermediary provides the necessary energy to overcome target weight and distance limitations that would constrain a direct manual pull string system.
3Measurement precision
If target rotation mechanism is used, then hit detection is improved, but false positives occur when wind knocks targets down
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that provide feedback about target position and hit events. The sensor data is processed to distinguish between intentional projectile impacts (which reset the target) and environmental disturbances like wind (which do not), preventing false positives while maintaining accurate hit detection.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote resetting sports target including at least one target holder comprising a first target holder rotatably secured to a base; at least one target plate comprising a first target plate secured to the first target holder; a rack movably secured to the base; and an actuator secured to the rack, wherein the actuator is configured to move the rack along the base; wherein, when the rack is moved linearly in a first direction by the actuator, the rack is configured to rotate the first target holder and the first target plate into an upright orientation.