Shooting Target Launcher With Passive Retainer Release Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shooting target launchers lack efficient mechanisms for rotating and launching targets without dedicated prime movers, and often require complex control systems or two-handed operation, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A shooting target launcher with a housing, target connector, and motor that rotates the target about an axis of rotation, utilizing sensorless motor control and a launch control system to launch targets after reaching a desired rotational speed, allowing single-handed operation and efficient target launching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated prime mover is used to move the target retainer between retaining and release configurations, then the target launching reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the function of moving the target retainer with the existing rotation mechanism of the target connector. The target retainer is moved passively by the rotation of the target connector itself, merging two functions (rotating the target and moving the retainer) into a single mechanical system without requiring a separate dedicated prime mover.
Solution Approach 2:
The target connector rotates itself to perform dual functions: rotating the shooting target for launching and simultaneously moving the target retainer from the retaining configuration to the release configuration. The system uses its own rotational motion to accomplish the retainer movement without external intervention or additional actuators.
2Measurement precision
If discrete control is added to move the target retainer to the release configuration, then the launch precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The target retainer automatically moves to the release configuration through the rotational motion of the target connector. The system uses its own operational motion (rotation for target launching) to simultaneously accomplish the retainer release function without requiring separate control signals or discrete control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The target retainer is positioned in the retaining configuration before rotation begins, and the rotation of the target connector automatically transitions it to the release configuration at the appropriate moment in the launching sequence, ensuring precise timing without additional control systems.
3Reliability
If two-handed operation is required to launch the shooting target, then the operational safety is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of both hands into a single-handed operation by integrating the retainer release mechanism with the target rotation mechanism. One hand can simultaneously control both the rotation and release functions that previously required two hands, combining multiple operations into one.
Solution Approach 2:
The target connector serves multiple functions: it rotates the shooting target, drives the movement of the target retainer, and enables single-handed operation. This multi-functional design allows one hand to perform operations that previously required coordination of both hands.
Data Source
AI summary
A shooting target launcher, associated components and methods. The launcher spins one or more helicopter-like shooting targets to launch the targets. A target connector receives the targets. The target connector is rotated about an axis of rotation to rotate the targets about the axis of rotation. The targets have fan blades that, when rotated, propel the target through the air.