RFID Clay Target Thrower with Proximity-Based Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clay shooting systems require manual loading or voice activation to release targets, lacking a natural and immersive experience, and do not dynamically adjust difficulty settings based on user proximity and position.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with a UHF RFID communicator and a control system that automatically triggers target throwing devices when the user enters a designated area, using random number generation and angle adjustments to alter difficulty settings, and overrides target release for safety in case of crossfire, with a speaker system mimicking wildlife sounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual loading or voice activation is used to release targets, then the system requires user interaction, but the experience becomes less natural and immersive
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when a user enters the shooting area using RFID technology and autonomously releases targets without requiring manual button presses or voice commands. The throwing machine serves itself by detecting user presence and initiating target release automatically, eliminating the need for continuous user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical activation (buttons, switches) and voice recognition systems with RFID-based automatic detection and control. The mechanical target release system is triggered automatically through electronic sensing of user presence, substituting complex interaction mechanisms with a simpler, more natural proximity-based activation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed difficulty settings are used, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot dynamically adapt to user skill level and position
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts target release parameters including difficulty level, release timing, and target positioning based on real-time detection of user position and movement. The control system transitions from static, pre-programmed settings to dynamic, adaptive parameters that respond to user behavior and skill demonstration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors user position, movement speed, and shooting performance through RFID tracking and sensor data, then uses this feedback to automatically adjust difficulty settings and target release patterns. The control system learns from user performance and adapts parameters to provide optimal challenge levels.
3Productivity
If targets are released without safety checks, then the system operates at maximum speed, but crossfire hazards cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary safety checks by monitoring user positions and detecting potential crossfire hazards before releasing targets. The control system proactively identifies unsafe conditions and prevents target release until safety criteria are met, rather than reacting to hazards after they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes safety zones, defines acceptable user positions, and sets release parameters in advance. Before each target release, the system verifies that current user positions match pre-defined safe configurations, ensuring safety checks are integrated into the rapid release cycle without significant delay.
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
Provides a more natural and dynamic clay shooting experience by eliminating the need for physical buttons or voice controls, adjusting difficulty settings based on user proximity and position, and ensuring safety through automated target deployment and sound simulation.
Implementation Method 1
the wearable device has a UHF RFID communicator and UHF RFID tag whereby the control system has a UHF RFID reader
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for a clay target throwing system that eliminates physical buttons and voice controls to trigger the throwing devices whereby the system receives various inputs from one or more guests at a shooting range or another type of user whereby the inputs are used to dynamically manage the various target throwing devices. The method is initiated by a guest renting a wearable device with a UHF RFID tag where the guest wearing the wearable device would then walk within a predetermined distance of a computing system having a UHF RFID reader that detects the location of the UHF RFID tag in relation to the computing system.