Target Support Post Driving Mechanism for Stable Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing target assemblies lack a mechanism to securely and adjustably position a target body for shooting, failing to effectively utilize the impact of a drive element to drive a support element into a surface for stable target engagement.

Innovation Solution

A target assembly comprising a target body with a drive element coupled to impact an upper portion of a support element, driving it into a support surface, allowing the target body to be removably engaged for use as a shooting target, with optional features like a tubular member for alignment and rotation to deflect projectiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a target assembly uses a simple support structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability and secure positioning of the target body deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidtarget body positioning stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support element is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion, with the drive element impacting the upper portion to drive the lower portion into the support surface. This segmentation allows the support structure to achieve stable positioning without requiring complex assembly mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drive element is pre-configured to deliver a predetermined impact force to the support element before the target body is engaged. This preliminary action ensures the support element is already stabilized in the support surface, providing a secure base for subsequent target body attachment without requiring complex positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the target assembly uses a fixed support mechanism, then the stability is improved, but the adaptability to different shooting scenarios deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget assembly stabilityVSAvoidtarget positioning adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support element transitions from a static component to a dynamic one that can be driven into the support surface at different depths depending on the shooting scenario. The removable engagement mechanism allows the target body to be attached or detached, providing adaptability while maintaining stability during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The depth to which the support element is driven into the support surface can be varied to accommodate different shooting scenarios and surface conditions. This parameter change allows the same support structure to adapt to various situations while maintaining stable target positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of stationary object

If the drive element impacts the support element with high force, then the driving depth into the support surface is improved, but the risk of damaging the support element increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport element driving depthVSAvoidsupport element integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The drive element is designed to deliver a controlled impact that is sufficient to drive the support element into the support surface to the required depth, but not so forceful as to damage the support element. This pre-calibrated impact force acts as a form of cushioning, preventing excessive force transmission that could cause damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The upper portion of the support element acts as an intermediary between the drive element's impact and the lower portion that is driven into the support surface. This intermediary structure absorbs and distributes the impact force, protecting the critical lower portion from damage while still achieving the required driving depth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Strength

If the target body is permanently attached to the support element, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ease of repair and replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget assembly integrityVSAvoidtarget body replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The target assembly is segmented into the target body and the support element, with a removable engagement mechanism between them. This allows the target body to be detached and replaced without damaging the support element, while still providing stable support during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement between the target body and support element transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic removable connection. The support element provides stable positioning when the target body is attached, but allows for easy removal and replacement when needed, combining stability with repairability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution provides a stable and adjustable target assembly that effectively supports the target body, enabling secure engagement and deflection of projectiles, enhancing shooting accuracy and safety.

Implementation Method 1

the drive element can be configured for impacting an upper portion of a support element to impactingly drive a lower portion of the support element into a support surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS10132599B2Integrated shooting target support post driving system
Publication Date: 2018.11.20 STEEL OPS LTD
  • US10132599B2 patent drawing
  • US10132599B2 patent drawing
  • US10132599B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A target assembly having a target body and a drive element coupled to the target body, whereby the drive element can be configured for impacting an upper portion of a support element to impactingly drive a lower portion of the support element into a support surface.