Target Launcher Offset Bearing Surface for Stable Flight

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current target launching devices for archery lack effective cooperation between the target and the bearing surface, resulting in suboptimal trajectory and stability, especially with light targets or in humid environments.

Innovation Solution

A target launching machine with a support surface featuring an offset portion that gradually increases the distance between the target and the throwing arm's trajectory, modifying the application of thrust force to improve target behavior during projection, including a concave circular profile offset relative to the axis of rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional bearing surface is used with a rotary throwing arm, then the target can be launched, but the target exhibits poor stability in the air and insufficient throwing distance, especially with light targets or in humid environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget stabilityVSAvoidbearing surface configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing surface is designed with a curved profile featuring an offset portion that follows a circular arc path. This curvature allows the target to roll smoothly during launch, generating a gyroscopic effect that stabilizes the target in flight. The offset distance from the throwing arm trajectory creates the necessary rotational moment while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Force

If the offset portion of the bearing surface is positioned closer to the throwing arm trajectory, then the thrust force application is more direct, but the target contact and friction increase causing jamming risks and reduced stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethrust force applicationVSAvoidfriction and jamming
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The offset portion of the bearing surface acts as an intermediary element between the throwing arm and the target. It provides a controlled contact zone that facilitates target acquisition and initial propulsion while gradually reducing contact as the target accelerates. This intermediary structure reduces friction and jamming risks by preventing direct, sustained contact between the throwing arm and target, while still enabling effective force transfer during the critical launch phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enhances throwing distance and stability of targets, reducing gyroscopic effects and jamming risks, particularly with polymer foam targets, by optimizing the contact zone and reducing friction, leading to improved performance in various environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a high gyroscopic effect is noted during the ejection of the target by means of the invention

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGyroscopic effect: Gyroscope

Implementation Method 2

the application parameters of the thrust force of the throwing arm on the target during the movement of the latter are modified

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2652436B1Target launching machine
Publication Date: 2015.02.25 LAPORTE HLDG (SAS)
  • EP2652436B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2652436B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2652436B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a target launching machine (1) having a portion of circular cross section, said machine comprising a launch arm (2) able to rotate about an axis of rotation (3) and a bearing surface (4) of the portion of circular cross section, characterized in that the bearing surface (4) has an offset portion configured such that the separation between the path of the launch arm (2) and the offset portion increases in the direction of rotation of the launch arm (2). Application to target launchers used for archery.