Target Launcher Pin Prevents Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing target launchers, especially stationary ones, face challenges in achieving precise and repeatable trajectories due to issues like increased adhesion between the target and launch plate, leading to variable target positioning and trajectory deviations.
Innovation Solution
A target launching machine with a launch plate, a rotatable launch arm, a guide element, and a mobile stop, where a pin with a contact portion applies additional stress to the target, ensuring precise positioning against the guide element and preventing suction cup effects, regardless of the target's shape or the launch plate's condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the launch plate and target contour have increased adhesion (e.g., when wet), then the target is not properly positioned against the guide element, but adding more contact points or increasing friction would make the system more sensitive to adhesion variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the target positioning function into multiple independent contact points (first contact point on guide element, second contact point on launch arm, third contact point on stop element). Each contact point applies a specific force independently, so that adhesion at one location does not compromise the overall positioning. This segmentation allows the system to maintain precision even when adhesion conditions vary.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the target contour are engaged at different locations with different functions. The guide element contacts one portion to establish the trajectory, the launch arm contacts another portion to provide ejection force, and the stop element contacts a third portion to prevent premature release. This local differentiation ensures that adhesion effects at any single location do not compromise overall positioning accuracy.
2Reliability
If a mobile stop and guide element are used to maintain target position, then trajectory repeatability is improved, but the system becomes more complex and sensitive to adhesion conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented across three distinct components: guide element, launch arm, and stop element. Each component has a specific, simple function (guiding, ejecting, stopping) rather than requiring a single complex mechanism. This segmentation achieves reliable trajectory repeatability while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile stop acts as an intermediary element that simplifies the interaction between the target and the launcher. By providing a dedicated stopping function separate from guiding and ejection, it mediates the target's motion in a way that ensures repeatability without requiring the guide element or launch arm to perform multiple functions, thus reducing overall system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the target contour is perfectly smooth and the launch plate is perfectly dry, then the mobile stop and guide element solution works effectively, but real-world conditions vary and cause positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the contact points across multiple components (guide element, launch arm, stop element), the system does not rely on a single perfect interface. If adhesion conditions deteriorate at one contact point, the other contact points maintain their function, making the system adaptable to varying real-world conditions while preserving positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the target contour are engaged at different locations, so that local variations in adhesion, moisture, or surface quality at any single location do not compromise overall positioning. The system adapts to local condition variations by distributing contact across multiple locations with different local properties.
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 machine ensures consistent and precise positioning of the target along the launch arm, improving the control and repeatability of the target's ejection trajectory, even in wet conditions, by applying a combination of stresses that maintain contact with the guide element and launch arm.
Implementation Method 1
the target is not positioned against the guide element. This therefore modifies the expected trajectory of the target... The force exerted by the launch pin thus allows suction cup effects to be prevented for example when the launch plate is wet
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for launching at least one target. The machine comprises a launch plate, a launch arm mobile in rotation at least between a supply position, an armed position and an ejection position, a guide element pressing against a first portion of a contour of the target, and a mobile stop exerting a force on a second portion of the contour of the target. The launch arm comprises an ejection portion configured to apply an ejection stress onto a third portion of the target in the armed position, the first, second and third portion being distinct. The launch arm comprises a pin provided with a contact portion configured to contact a fourth portion of the contour of the target in the armed position, the fourth portion being distinct from the other portions.