Spring-Loaded Throwing Arm Mechanism for Instant Target Projection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing target throwing devices for shooting sports, particularly those using electromagnets and mechanical stops, face issues with instant response, safety concerns, and high maintenance requirements, leading to potential malfunctions and operational hazards.

Innovation Solution

A target throwing device with a rotationally movable arm, driven by a geared motor and pinion system, uses locking mechanisms to hold the arm at a predetermined angular sector, allowing for almost instant target projection upon command, reducing cocking time and enhancing safety by eliminating the need for electromagnets and complex electrical controls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If electromagnets and complex electrical controls are used to achieve instant target projection, then response speed is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electromagnets and electrical controls with a purely mechanical system consisting of a spring-loaded throwing arm, trigger mechanism, and release button. The spring provides the force for target projection, while the mechanical trigger and button control the release timing, eliminating all electrical components while maintaining instant response capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes all electromagnetic and electrical control components from the system, retaining only the essential mechanical elements needed for target projection. This simplification eliminates maintenance issues associated with electromagnets while preserving the instant response function through mechanical means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Speed

If electromagnets and complex electrical controls are used to achieve instant target projection, then response speed is improved, but safety concerns and operational hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoidsafety concerns

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electromagnets and electrical controls with a purely mechanical system consisting of a spring-loaded throwing arm, trigger mechanism, and release button. The spring provides the force for target projection, while the mechanical trigger and button control the release timing, eliminating all electrical components while maintaining instant response capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses simple, fail-safe mechanical components that are inherently safer than electromagnets. The spring-loaded mechanism with mechanical interlocks provides inherent safety through physical constraints rather than electrical control, eliminating risks associated with electrical malfunction or electromagnetic failure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If complex mechanical stops and electromagnet systems are used, then target projection control is achieved, but maintenance requirements and operational risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes all electromagnetic and electrical control components from the system, retaining only the essential mechanical elements needed for target projection. This simplification eliminates maintenance issues associated with electromagnets while preserving the instant response function through mechanical means

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical system is designed to be inherently maintainable with simple components that can be easily inspected, cleaned, and repaired. The spring-loaded mechanism and mechanical triggers require no electrical diagnostics or specialized repair knowledge, allowing for straightforward maintenance and reducing operational risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 device achieves rapid and reliable target projection with reduced operational risks and maintenance needs, ensuring quick response times and improved safety during operation.

Implementation Method 1

A spring-loaded arm is provided in a cocked position in which the arm is held against the rotation by a mechanical stop

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic potential energy: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the release of the mechanical stop allows for an almost instant rotation of the arm in the throwing direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKinetic energy: Inertia

Data Source

PatentUS9605931B2Device for throwing targets for shooting sports, with instant projection of the target

Publication Date: 2017.03.28 LAPORTE HLDG (SAS)

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for throwing targets for shooting sports, with instant projection of the target. The device is characterized in that it comprises means for blocking the movement of the arm in abutment, enabling the arm, to go beyond the “zero point”, by the action of the driving means, while keeping the throwing means in tension, with these blocking means being carried by the driving means and engaging with complementary blocking means carried by the arm, and wherein the throwing arm comprises a rotating shaft, with said shaft carrying a pinion driven by a second drive pinion connected to the output pin of the driving means comprising a geared motor, with the means for blocking in abutment having a stop carried on the periphery of a crank pin rotating about the output pin of the geared motor. Applications in the field of shooting sports, both rifle shooting or revolver shooting and in archery.