Automatically Resetting Shooting Target with Pivotable Carriage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shooting targets do not provide a visible indication of impact at a distance, requiring shooters to use optical devices or move closer to adjust their aim, which is inconvenient and less effective.
Innovation Solution
A shooting target with a pivotable carriage mechanism and spring system that automatically resets positions of striker plates visible from the shooting position, allowing shooters to see the impact without moving, using angled legs and adjustable spring tension for optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If conventional stationary targets are used, then the target structure is simple and stable, but the impact indication is not visible from a distance requiring optical devices or physical movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the target plate movable rather than stationary. When a projectile strikes the target plate, it causes the plate to pivot or rotate, creating a visible movement that indicates impact. This dynamic response allows shooters to detect hits from a distance without requiring optical devices or physical movement, directly resolving the contradiction between impact visibility and shooter convenience.
2Reliability
If thick steel plates are used to stop projectiles, then the target durability is improved, but the impact mark is too small to be visible without a spotting scope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines durable steel plate material with a dynamic pivoting mechanism. The steel plate maintains its structural integrity and durability to stop projectiles reliably, while the pivoting motion created upon impact amplifies the visual indication. Instead of relying on small impact marks on a stationary plate, the entire plate moves to create a large, visible indication that maintains both durability and visibility.
3Productivity
If manual resetting of targets is implemented, then the target can be reused after impact, but the shooting process is interrupted requiring time-consuming manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through an automatic resetting mechanism that uses a spring-loaded system. After a projectile strikes the target plate and causes it to pivot, the spring automatically returns the plate to its original position, preparing it for the next shot. This periodic reset action eliminates manual intervention, maintains high shooting speed, and uses a relatively simple mechanical spring mechanism rather than complex electronic or hydraulic systems.
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
Enables shooters to visually confirm hits without moving, allowing for continuous shooting without manual resetting, enhancing accuracy and convenience by providing a visible indicator of successful impacts.
Implementation Method 1
A spring may be mounted to the carriage that applies a tensile force to the carriage. The tensile force is at a maximum when the carriage is between the first position and the second position, and the tensile force is less than the maximum when the carriage is at the first position and at the second position.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatically resetting target has a plate that rests in a removable base at a substantially vertical orientation. An apparatus mounted to the rear of the plate includes a pivotably mounted carriage with first and second legs extending radially away, at a relative angle, from a pivot point that is mounted between two openings. The first leg has a first striker plate that aligns with the first opening when the carriage is in a first position, and the second leg has a second striker plate that aligns with the second opening when the carriage is in a second position. By striking the first striker with a projectile, such as a bullet, a shooter moves the carriage and places the second striker behind the second hole. By striking the second striker with a projectile, the shooter moves the carriage and places the first striker behind the first hole.