Segmented Target Impact Sensing with Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pop-up targets used in law enforcement and military training are difficult to use for accurately determining the hit point of a projectile due to violent vibrations and damage from live fire, which complicates the use of sensing techniques.
Innovation Solution
A segmented target system with vibrational isolation between segments, equipped with vibration sensors at the base of each segment to detect and differentiate impact vibrations, minimizing sensor damage and allowing accurate hit point determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If shock sensors are placed all over the target for indoor use, then accurate hit point determination is achieved, but sensor damage from live fire becomes a considerable problem
Solution Approach 1:
The target is divided into multiple segments that are vibrationally isolated from each other. Each segment contains its own shock sensor, allowing the sensor to be positioned in a protected location (such as the rear of the target) rather than directly in the impact zone. This segmentation enables accurate hit point determination while protecting sensors from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
Vibration isolation elements (such as foam or rubber materials) are introduced between the target segments to act as intermediaries. These materials transmit vibration information from the impact point to the sensor while protecting the sensor from direct exposure to high-impact forces and projectiles.
2Speed
If the target material is made light and flimsy for fast response, then target responsiveness is improved, but violent vibrations occur upon impact making hit point determination impractical
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the target into vibrationally isolated segments prevents violent whole-structure vibrations. Each segment can move and respond independently with fast response characteristics, while the isolation prevents coupling of vibrations that would obscure hit point information.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration detection function is extracted from the target material itself and assigned to dedicated shock sensors in each segment. This allows the target material to remain light and flimsy for fast response while the sensors separately provide accurate vibration data for hit point determination.
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 segmented target system effectively isolates vibrations between segments, enabling accurate determination of the projectile's impact point and reducing sensor damage, thus improving hit point accuracy and durability.
Implementation Method 1
A vibration sensor is coupled to each segment to provide vibration signatures representative of a segment being impacted by a projectile
Data Source
AI summary
A target includes multiple segments that are vibrationaly isolated from each other. A vibration sensor is coupled to each segment to provide vibration signatures representative of a segment being impacted by a projectile.