Rocking Base Target Holder Shock Absorption

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional target holders lack the ability to self-level on uneven surfaces and absorb shock from high-impact projectiles, which can lead to tipping over and reduced accuracy in target shooting.

Innovation Solution

A target holder with a curved rocking base that includes at least one or two curved rocking members engaged with upright members, allowing the device to rock rearward upon projectile impact and absorb shock while maintaining an upright position, and featuring adjustable rotational connectors to ensure the target remains perpendicular to the shooter's aim on inclines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional rigid target holder is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot absorb shock from high-impact projectiles and will tip over on uneven surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability against tippingVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The target holder employs a dynamic rocking base mechanism that allows controlled movement upon projectile impact. The curved rocking members enable the base to rock rearward to absorb shock while rockers with limited travel prevent complete tipping, transforming the static rigid structure into a dynamic system that adapts to impact forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rocking base incorporates curved rocking members with a specific arc geometry. This curvature enables the base to rock smoothly upon impact while maintaining stability. The curved path of the rocking members allows the target holder to adapt to uneven surfaces and absorb shock through controlled rotational movement rather than rigid impact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Measurement precision

If a fixed target holder is used on uneven surfaces, then the structure is simple, but the target cannot remain perpendicular to the shooter's aim

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget alignment accuracyVSAvoidleveling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The target holder features a self-leveling capability through its rocking base mechanism. When placed on uneven surfaces, the curved rocking members naturally adjust the base orientation through controlled rocking motion, allowing the target to automatically align perpendicular to the shooter's aim without requiring external leveling tools or complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The rocking base provides dynamic adaptation to uneven surfaces. The curved geometry of the rocking members allows the base to find its natural level position through controlled movement, enabling the target to self-align with the shooter's line of sight regardless of the underlying surface irregularities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Force

If a rigid base is used to prevent tipping, then the structure is simple, but it cannot absorb shock from projectile impact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock absorption capacityVSAvoidbase mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic rocking mechanism. Upon projectile impact, the curved rocking members enable controlled rearward motion that absorbs impact energy through movement rather than rigid resistance. The rocking action dissipates shock forces while the limited travel prevents complete tipping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rocking base mechanism is pre-configured with curved geometry designed to absorb impact forces. The curvature and dimensions of the rocking members are specifically engineered to provide shock absorption capacity before impact occurs, allowing the base to naturally cushion projectile impacts through controlled rocking motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 solution effectively prevents the target holder from tipping over and ensures the target remains perpendicular to the shooter, enhancing accuracy and safety by absorbing shock and adapting to uneven surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

rocking members are curved and engaged at central areas thereof to one or a plurality of upright members which support a target... will cause the target holder to rock rearward should the target shooter shoot a projectile such as a bullet or an arrow which contacts the device. This rearward motion defines a shock absorbing function for the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

The positioning of the targets themselves varies depending on the venue and the target shooter... The rocking base provided by the included rocking members on the device will cause the target holder to rock rearward... even when the device is located on an incline

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelf-leveling: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20230408229A1Self Leveling Target Holder
Publication Date: 2023.12.21 WANKER JOE
  • US20230408229A1 patent drawing
  • US20230408229A1 patent drawing
  • US20230408229A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A rocking target holder for target shooting has a rocking base which supports a target mount thereon. The rocking base will move rearward in a direction away from a projectile impact upon the target mount. The rocking motion provides two functions. First, it positions the target mount substantially upright when the target holder is located on an uneven support surface. Secondly the rocking motion provides shock absorption upon the impact of a projectile with the target mount.