Splatter Pack Target with Segmented Fluid Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shooting targets lack immediate visual feedback of projectile impacts, are not easily transportable, and do not allow for the replacement of burst containers or vital areas, limiting marksmen's ability to adjust their aim and requiring additional personnel for accurate shot placement.
Innovation Solution
A target system featuring removable and replaceable fluid-filled splatter packs that burst upon impact, providing visible confirmation of shot accuracy, with individually segregated chambers and adhesive attachment to a target panel, allowing for easy replacement and arrangement of splatter packs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If paper targets are used, then the target is cheap and readily available, but immediate visual feedback of shot accuracy is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses colored fluid (typically red) contained within clear or translucent splatter packs attached to the target. When a projectile penetrates the splatter pack, the fluid bursts outward creating a visible colored splatter pattern that immediately indicates shot accuracy. This color-based visual feedback system resolves the contradiction by providing obvious shot placement information without requiring expensive electronic sensors or complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The target system segments the visual feedback function into separate replaceable splatter packs that can be independently attached to different areas of the target. Each splatter pack contains fluid-filled chambers that can be individually replaced after use. This segmentation allows the basic paper target to remain inexpensive while adding the visual feedback capability through simple, separate components.
2Loss of information
If bursting containers with fluid are used, then visual confirmation of impact is provided, but the containers cannot be removed and replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The splatter pack is designed as a segmented structure with multiple fluid-filled chambers separated by partitions. When one chamber bursts, the other chambers remain intact and can still be used. This segmentation allows partial replacement of only the burst chambers rather than the entire splatter pack, improving ease of repair while maintaining impact confirmation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables discarding of burst splatter packs or individual chambers and recovering/reusing the remaining functional chambers by attaching new chambers to the same splatter pack structure. The splatter pack backing layer with adhesive allows new chambers to be attached in place of burst ones, enabling recovery of the splatter pack structure and reducing waste.
3Adaptability or versatility
If three dimensional targets are used, then realism is improved, but transportation and refurbishment become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The target system uses segmented, flat splatter packs that can be easily transported and stored. When realism is desired, multiple splatter packs can be arranged to form three-dimensional configurations or attached to three-dimensional target structures. The segmented nature allows easy disassembly for transport and reassembly for use, resolving the contradiction between realism and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The target system is dynamic and adaptable - splatter packs can be arranged in two-dimensional or three-dimensional configurations depending on training needs. The flat splatter packs can be mounted on flat targets or three-dimensional structures, allowing the system to adapt between realistic three-dimensional targets and simplified two-dimensional targets based on transportation and setup requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the entire primary target label is replaced, then new targets are available, but the base sheet is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The target system segments the replaceable component into individual splatter packs or chambers that attach to the base sheet, rather than replacing the entire target label. The base sheet with its adhesive backing can be reused multiple times by attaching new splatter packs as old ones burst. This segmentation dramatically reduces base sheet waste while maintaining target renewability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables recovery and reuse of the base sheet structure. Instead of discarding the entire target label, only the burst splatter packs or chambers are discarded while the base sheet is recovered and reused by attaching new splatter packs. This recovers the majority of the target material and reduces waste.
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 immediate visual confirmation of shot accuracy, facilitates easier transportation and reuse, and allows for adjustable target sizes and patterns, enhancing training efficiency and realism without the need for additional personnel.
Implementation Method 1
An adhesive layer is provided between the splatter pack and the target panel
Implementation Method 2
When the splatter pack is impacted, the chambers are fractured, producing punctures through the splatter pack and the target panel, and the fluid is ejected from the fractured chambers
Data Source
AI summary
A target system has a splatter pack attached to a target panel. The splatter pack acts as a receptacle for a fluid that provides visual confirmation that the target has been hit as the pack bursts upon impact by a projectile. The splatter pack is formed by an array of chambers that are arranged in a staggered pattern. As the pack bursts, the fluid explodes out and leaves a splatter pattern on or about the target panel. The burst and residual splatter allow the marksman to see whether or not an accurate shot was delivered without having to closely examine the target. The splatter pack is removably secured to the target panel by one or more fasteners. Each one of the chambers in the interior portion of the splatter pack are intersected by at least one of the channels that are formed between adjacent chambers.