Shooting Target Assembly with Curved Edge Catch Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shooting targets primarily measure aim and precision but lack the capability to assess the speed of participants in competitive shooting scenarios, which is an important factor in evaluating a marksman's performance.
Innovation Solution
A shooting target assembly with a frame having a curved edge and pivotally connected target arms, where catch mechanisms and torsion springs allow the targets to rotate and move along the edge, enabling the measurement of speed by determining which marksman reaches the topmost catch mechanism first.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional static shooting targets are used, then aim and precision can be measured, but speed cannot be assessed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming static targets into dynamic, movable targets that can rotate along a curved path. The target arms are pivotally connected and equipped with catch mechanisms that engage with the curved edge, allowing the targets to move dynamically in response to bullet impacts. Torsion springs provide the restoring force that enables the targets to rotate back after being displaced, creating a measurable motion that indicates shooting speed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If movable target arms with catch mechanisms are added, then speed measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the target system into separate, modular target arms that can independently pivot and move. Each target arm is a distinct unit with its own pivot point, catch mechanism, and torsion spring, allowing for easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance. This modular approach reduces overall system complexity compared to a monolithic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by employing torsion springs that store and release mechanical energy to drive the rotational motion of target arms. The spring constant and initial tension can be adjusted to control the speed and range of target movement, providing a simple mechanism to achieve complex motion patterns without requiring sophisticated control systems.
3Measurement precision
If multiple catch mechanisms are positioned along the curved edge, then speed measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the curvature principle by positioning catch mechanisms along a curved edge rather than a straight line. This curved arrangement naturally distributes the catch mechanisms in an ergonomic and space-efficient pattern, improving the precision of speed measurement as targets rotate through different angular positions. The curved geometry also simplifies the overall frame design and allows for more compact construction.
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 evaluation of both precision and speed in competitive shooting, providing a comprehensive assessment of a marksman's skills by tracking the movement of targets along the edge and preventing further movement once a sufficient number of hits are registered.
Implementation Method 1
The second end of the first target arm may be connected to a torsion spring. The torsion spring may be configured to rotate the first target arm about the first pivot point when the first target arm is not engaged by one of the plurality of catch mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A shooting target assembly includes a frame having a curved edge, where a plurality of catch mechanisms are positioned along the curved edge, a first target arm having a first end and a second end, and a second target arm having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first target arm is connected to a first target that is positioned above the curved edge. The second end of the first target arm is pivotally connected to a rear portion of the frame at a first pivot point. The first end of the second target arm is connected to a second target that is positioned above the curved edge, and the second end of the second target arm is pivotally connected to the rear portion of the frame at a second pivot point. Each of the plurality of catch mechanisms is configured to engage the first target arm or the second target arm.