Target Launcher Arm Blocking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing target launching devices for sports shooting, particularly those requiring instantaneous target deployment upon vocal command, face challenges with precision positioning of contactors, potential device blocking, and mechanical stress due to the use of electromagnets and triggers, leading to safety concerns and restricted operational ranges.

Innovation Solution

A target launching device with a rotating arm and motor-driven blocking means that block the arm beyond a predefined angular sector, allowing for almost instantaneous target launch without exerting torque at the 'zero point', ensuring higher operational safety and reduced mechanical stress by using motor-activated blocking mechanisms rather than electromagnets and triggers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electromagnets and triggers are used to block the arm, then the arm can be held in position, but mechanical stress increases and device blocking occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearm positioning reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical stress on arm
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic triggering mechanism with a purely mechanical blocking system. The motor-driven blocking means mechanically engage with the rotation shaft to prevent arm movement, eliminating the need for electromagnets and triggers. This substitution removes the associated mechanical stress and blocking issues while maintaining reliable arm positioning through direct mechanical engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If contactors are positioned precisely to stop the arm at zero point, then launch accuracy improves, but positioning tolerance is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearm positioning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning tolerance requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic blocking control where the blocking means are activated at a predetermined angle before the zero point position. This dynamic approach allows the motor to continue rotating the arm past the zero point while the blocking mechanism engages to hold the arm in the correct position. This eliminates the need for extremely precise contactor positioning while maintaining accurate arm placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking means are activated in advance at a predetermined angular position before the arm reaches the zero point. This preliminary activation allows the system to prepare for positioning without requiring the contactor to be positioned with extreme precision at the exact zero point, thereby increasing positioning tolerance while maintaining launch accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If the arm is blocked beyond the zero point position, then instantaneous target launch is achieved, but the arm experiences torque and mechanical stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget launch response timeVSAvoidtorque on rotation shaft
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic holding mechanism with a mechanical blocking system that engages at a predetermined angle before the zero point. This mechanical engagement prevents the need for the arm to be held in position against torque by electromagnets, eliminating the associated stress while achieving instantaneous launch through the mechanical blocking action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution provides a quasi-instantaneous response to launch orders with improved safety and reduced risk of device blocking, allowing for a wider positioning tolerance of detection components and eliminating mechanical stress on the arm, thus enhancing the reliability and safety of the target launching process.

Implementation Method 1

The device includes a tension spring capable of being tensioned during rotation of the arm towards the 'zero point' position, the return to the relaxed position of the tension spring being configured to rotate the arm for the launch of the target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic potential energy: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The free wheel authorizing the rotation of the crank pin in the opposite direction of rotation of the gear motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical blocking: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentEP3092457B1Target launching device for target shooting, with instantaneous take-off, with active blocking means on the rotational shaft of the launch arm
Publication Date: 2018.03.14 LAPORTE HLDG (SAS)
  • EP3092457B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3092457B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3092457B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a target launching device for target shooting, with instantaneous take-off, which comprises first and second blocking means (10, 11, 19, 20, 21) for blocking the rotation of the arm (2) combined with the drive means (9) and engaging with additional blocking means (5) interposed between the launching means (6) and the rotational shaft (3) of the arm (2), the blocking means (5, 10, 11, 19, 20, 21) being configured to block the arm (2) in a launching position beyond the "zero point" in a predefined angular range in the direction of rotation of the arm (2) and to release the arm (2) beyond the launching position, the launching means (6) relaxing in order to effect the rotation for the launch of the target. The invention can be used in the field of target shooting, whether with shotguns or revolvers, or in archery.