Portable Rotating Target System with Wireless Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing target systems for firearms training lack flexibility and adaptability to simulate real-world scenarios, requiring specialized equipment and personnel for operation and repair, and are not compatible with industry and government-sanctioned targets, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A portable rotating target system with a remote controller that allows for easy setup and operation of multiple targets of varying size and weight, enabling simulation of complex scenarios, and is designed for adaptability and ease of maintenance, using wireless communication and motors powered by internal batteries to adjust turning speed and force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing target systems use specialized equipment and mechanical designs, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical target turning systems with an electronic control system using a microcontroller (ATtiny85), wireless communication (nRF24L01+ modules), and software-based target management. This substitution maintains reliability through robust electronic control while dramatically reducing mechanical complexity and improving ease of operation through wireless remote control and automated target sequencing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a universal mounting plate design that can accommodate multiple types of targets (steel, paper, foam, silhouette) and integrates multiple functions (target turning, wireless control, scenario simulation, data logging) into a single platform. This universality reduces the need for specialized equipment while maintaining system reliability across different training scenarios.
2Manufacturing precision
If existing target systems are designed for specialized scenarios, then adaptability deteriorates, but manufacturing precision can be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic target configuration where targets can be freely positioned and repositioned using an adjustable mounting plate mechanism. The wireless control system allows dynamic scenario changes without physical reconfiguration, enabling the system to adapt to various training scenarios (ambush, clearing, close quarters) while maintaining precise target positioning through motorized control and software management.
Solution Approach 2:
The target system is segmented into independent, interchangeable components (multiple target types, separate mounting plates, modular wireless control) that can be configured for different scenarios. This segmentation allows high manufacturing precision for each component while providing overall system versatility through flexible combination and reconfiguration of parts.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing target systems require vendor-specific targets, then adaptability deteriorates, but ease of manufacture can be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal mounting plate design with standardized attachment mechanisms that can accommodate multiple types of targets (steel, paper, foam, silhouette targets from various vendors). This universal interface simplifies manufacturing while providing broad target compatibility, eliminating the need for vendor-specific configurations and reducing operational costs through interchangeability.
4Strength
If existing target systems operate in harsh environments, then reliability deteriorates due to mechanical failure, but durability can be improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical target turning and control systems with wireless electronic control using enclosed control boxes and wireless communication modules. This substitution protects electronic components from harsh environments (dust, moisture, extreme temperatures) while maintaining operational reliability through wireless operation and automated error handling, reducing mechanical failure points significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated error detection and recovery mechanisms, including wireless communication error handling, automatic target sequencing, and self-diagnostic capabilities. These self-service features maintain operational reliability in harsh environments by automatically correcting errors and continuing operation without manual intervention, reducing downtime and improving operational continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed towards a target shooting system with novel function allowing it to incorporate various targets sizes and quantities, as well as different shooting configurations by means of remote triggers.