Target Retainer With Angled Base For Multi-Configuration Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing target mechanisms for training purposes cannot achieve all desired configurations such as pop-up, swing-out, scissors-like, and rotary movements using a compact universal assembly with a single drive unit and target retainer.

Innovation Solution

A target retainer system with a U-shaped or angled base member attached to a rotary output shaft, allowing for adjustable positioning of a target frame to enable multiple configurations through a portable drive unit with an electric motor, facilitating pop-up, swing-out, scissors-like, and rotary movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate target mechanisms are used to achieve different configurations (pop-up, swing-out, scissors-like, rotary), then each configuration can be reliably achieved, but the device complexity and number of components increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget configuration versatilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single target retainer mechanism that can perform multiple functions - achieving pop-up, swing-out, scissors-like, and rotary configurations using one base member, one target frame, and one drive unit. The base member is designed with multiple attachment points and the target frame can be positioned at different locations, allowing one universal assembly to replace multiple specialized mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the target frame position adjustable along the base member legs. The target frame can be detached and reattached at different positions, and the drive unit can rotate the base member to different angles, creating dynamic reconfigurability. This allows the same physical components to produce different target configurations through positional and orientational changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a compact universal assembly with single drive unit and target retainer is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to achieve all desired target configurations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidtarget configuration versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the target retainer into separable components - a base member with legs, a target frame, and attachment means that can be detached and repositioned. This segmentation allows the components to be arranged in different configurations while remaining part of the same universal assembly, enabling multiple target positions and orientations from a single set of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dimensionality change by utilizing spatial arrangement in three dimensions. The base member legs extend in different directions, and the target frame can be positioned at various heights and angles along these legs. The drive unit provides rotational movement in one plane while the adjustable positioning provides movement in other planes, achieving comprehensive spatial versatility from a compact assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the target frame is fixed in position on the base member, then the structure is simple and stable, but the target cannot be repositioned to achieve different configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidtarget repositioning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing detachable attachment means between the target frame and base member. The attachment allows the target frame to be securely fixed during operation (providing stability) but can be detached and repositioned when reconfiguration is needed. This dynamic attachment system enables the structure to transition between stable and reconfigurable states as required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2131139B1A target arrangement and a target retainer thereof
Publication Date: 2011.12.28 SAAB AB
  • EP2131139B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2131139B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2131139B1 patent drawingFigure 5~11

AI summary

A multi purpose target mechanism (10), comprising a portable drive unit (12) having a rotary output shaft (14), and a target retainer (16) for holding a target (22) and connectable to the output shaft (14) for rotating the retainer (16) and the target (22). The target retainer (16) comprises a base member (18) and a target frame (20) for detachably holding the target (22). The base member (18) is formed as an angled base member, preferably in a U-shape. The target frame (18) is formed as a separate member having at least one attachment element (26, 30, 36) configured for detachably connecting the target frame (20) to a leg (18a, 18b) of the base member in a desired lengthwise and rotary position of the target frame (20) relative to the respective leg (18a, 18b) of the base member.