Automated Target Plate Reset Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated target systems for firearms do not efficiently return a target plate to its erect position after being struck, requiring manual intervention for subsequent shooting attempts.
Innovation Solution
An automated target system with a target return assembly, including a target return motor, drive disk, arm linkage, and motion sensor, which pivots the target plate from a fallen position back to an erect position using a configurable arm linkage and motor-driven disk, allowing for automatic resetting after each successful shot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual intervention is used to reset the target plate, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to time loss between shooting attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The target plate system performs its own reset function through an automated return mechanism. When the target plate is struck and falls to the horizontal position, the return mechanism automatically pivots it back to the vertical shooting position without requiring manual intervention, enabling continuous shooting attempts and improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The target plate is pre-positioned in the vertical shooting position before each shooting attempt. The automated return mechanism ensures the plate is already in the correct position for the next shot by automatically resetting it after each strike, eliminating waiting time and maintaining continuous operation
2Loss of time
If the target plate remains in the fallen position, then device complexity is reduced, but time is lost between shooting attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical resetting with an automated mechanical return mechanism driven by a motor. The motor-driven arm linkage system automatically pivots the target plate back to the vertical position, eliminating the time loss associated with manual reset operations while maintaining mechanical reliability
3Productivity
If automated reset mechanism is added, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated return system is divided into separate functional components: a motor unit, a drive disk, an arm linkage system, and a target plate mounting mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance while achieving the overall goal of automated resetting to improve productivity
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
Enables automatic and efficient resetting of the target plate to its pre-struck position after each successful shot, enhancing shooting efficiency and safety by eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
At least one motion sensor may be disposed in motion-sensing proximity to the target plate
Implementation Method 2
A target return assembly may include a target return motor. A drive disk may be drivingly engaged for rotation by the target return motor
Implementation Method 3
An arm linkage may have a proximal linkage end rotatably engaged by the drive disk in off-center relationship to the drive disk and a distal linkage end opposite the proximal linkage end
Data Source
AI summary
Automated target systems may include a system base. A target plate may be pivotally carried by the system base. The target plate may be deployable in an erect, pre-struck position and a fallen, post-struck position. A target return assembly may engage the target plate. The target return assembly may be operable to deploy the target plate from a fallen, post-struck position to an extended target return configuration after the target plate is struck by a projectile.