Spring-Biased Target Clamp for One-Handed Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional target clamps are cumbersome to use, often requiring both hands to operate, and expose hardware to potential damage from stray shots, posing safety and efficiency risks in shooting range training scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A target clamp with a biasing member that allows the target engagement face to pivot between open and closed positions with one-hand operation, using a spring or elastic biasing element to securely hold targets without exposing hardware to stray shots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional clamps are used to hold shooting targets, then the targets can be held securely, but the clamps require both hands to operate and are cumbersome to use
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism uses a spring-biased lever system that automatically returns to the open position after the target is inserted. The user simply places the target and releases the lever, which self-opens due to spring bias, eliminating the need for manual opening operations and reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp transitions from a static, manually-operated mechanism to a dynamic system with a spring-biased lever that automatically moves between open and closed states. The spring provides continuous force to return the lever to the open position, creating a responsive, single-handed operation system
2Reliability
If conventional clamps are used to hold targets, then the targets can be secured, but the hardware is exposed to stray shots causing potential damage and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism is nested within a protective housing that encloses the lever, spring, and other hardware components. This housing acts as a protective shell that shields the internal mechanism from stray shots while still allowing the clamp to perform its target-holding function securely
Solution Approach 2:
The protective housing serves as a pre-established barrier against stray shots, cushioning the internal hardware from potential damage before the shots occur. This protective enclosure is designed in advance to absorb or deflect stray projectiles, ensuring the clamp mechanism remains functional and safe
3Productivity
If operators repeatedly place targets on the ground while mounting them, then targets can be loaded into clamps, but lead dust becomes airborne posing health risks
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic spring-biased opening mechanism eliminates the need for operators to manually handle and reposition targets on the ground. The clamp self-opens after target insertion, allowing continuous loading without ground contact, thereby preventing lead dust from becoming airborne during the loading process
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 secure, efficient, and safe one-handed operation of the target clamp, reducing the risk of hardware damage and minimizing lead dust exposure during training sessions.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member which biases the target engagement face into the first, open position, or the second, closed position
Implementation Method 2
The pivot may allow the target engagement face to pivot between the first, open position, and the second, closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping system and method for allowing one-handed operation of a target clamp is described. The clamp may also be designed to be concealed and/or behind a structure such that portions of the clamp are not exposed to projectiles, thus protecting the clamp from sustaining damage.