Self-Resetting Paddle Target with Cam Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing targets lack a self-resetting mechanism that can accommodate a wide range of projectiles, from slow-moving balls to high-speed bullets, with a simple mechanical dampening system.
Innovation Solution
A self-resetting paddle target featuring a cam and cam follower mechanism, where paddles are mounted on a rotatable carrier body, and a protective apron provides both protection and damping, allowing for easy adaptation to various projectile types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple plastic sheet target is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the target cannot effectively absorb impact forces from high velocity projectiles
Solution Approach 1:
The target employs a dynamic cam mechanism that transforms the static plastic sheet into a moving system. The cam profile converts the projectile's linear impact force into rotational motion of the paddle, allowing the target to dynamically absorb and dissipate impact energy through controlled movement rather than rigid resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the projectile impact and the paddle movement. It mediates the force transmission by converting direct linear impact into rotational motion, protecting the simple plastic sheet structure from direct high-velocity impacts while still achieving effective energy absorption.
2Reliability
If a spring mechanism is added to absorb impact forces, then the impact absorption capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is designed to be self-resetting through its geometric profile. After the paddle rotates backward during impact, the cam's shape automatically guides the carrier body back to its initial position, eliminating the need for external springs or complex resetting mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the impact force and cam geometry to achieve both absorption and reset functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism changes the parameter of motion from linear to rotational. By transforming the impact force vector through the cam profile, the system achieves effective impact absorption through rotational movement of the paddle while maintaining a simpler mechanical structure compared to traditional spring-based systems.
3Reliability
If the target is designed for high velocity projectiles, then the impact absorption is improved, but the target cannot accommodate low velocity projectiles like baseballs
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism provides universal functionality across different projectile types by adjusting the paddle's rotational response. The same cam profile accommodates both high-velocity bullets and low-velocity balls by allowing the paddle to rotate through appropriate angles and speeds for each impact type, making the target adaptable to multiple sports and projectile velocities without requiring separate mechanisms.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective apron is added to protect mechanics, then the protection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective apron is merged with the existing carrier body and cam mechanism structure. Rather than adding a separate protective system, the apron is integrated into the carrier assembly, combining protection and mechanism housing functions into a single structural element, thereby providing protection without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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 the target to reset after impact, absorb kinetic energy effectively, and protect its mechanics, making it suitable for diverse projectiles while maintaining durability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The carrier body is rotatably mounted to a support rod such that the carrier body may freely rotate about the support rod with the paddle extending therefrom. The bottom surface of the carrier body is formed as a cam follower configured to engage the upper surface of a carrier support member that is fixedly fastened to the support rod and that acts as a cam.
Implementation Method 2
a protective apron that not only protects the target's mechanics from the projectiles, but also acts as a dampening device for the paddles
Data Source
AI summary
A self-resetting paddle target is comprised of at least one paddle mounted to a carrier body. The carrier body is rotatably mounted to a support rod such that the carrier body may freely rotate about the support rod. The carrier body is formed as a cam follower configured to engage the upper surface of a carrier support member fixedly fastened to the support rod and that acts as a cam. The interaction of the carrier body and the carrier support member controls the rotation of the carrier body about the support rod and allows the paddle to reset itself after being impacted by a projectile. A plurality of paddles may be disposed along the support rod.