Target Training System Vibration Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated target training systems face challenges in providing robust real-time feedback due to background noise and vibration interference, especially in maritime environments, as they rely on thresholding signal strength which can be affected by variables like range and ammunition type, and struggle to distinguish between projectile impacts and background vibrations.

Innovation Solution

The system divides the target into discreet objects with gaps between them, using a processor to compare output signals from vibration sensors and apply a relative threshold value higher than the lowest signal to differentiate between hits and background noise, allowing for accurate detection of projectile impacts even in noisy conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single target object is used with vibration sensors, then the system can detect projectile impacts, but background noise and shock wave vibrations make it difficult to distinguish actual hits from false signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehit detection accuracyVSAvoidbackground noise interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The target is divided into multiple discrete target objects (at least two) positioned adjacent to each other with gaps between them. Each target object has its own vibration sensor. This segmentation allows the system to compare signals across multiple sensors to distinguish true impacts from background noise, as background vibrations affect all sensors similarly while actual impacts affect only the struck target object.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a threshold level is set for signal strength detection, then the system can identify impacts, but the threshold must be calibrated and is affected by variable factors such as range and ammunition type

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection simplicityVSAvoidrobustness to variable conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the detection parameter from using a fixed absolute threshold to using a relative threshold based on the minimum signal value among all sensors. The processor determines a hit when a sensor signal exceeds the minimum signal by a relative threshold value (e.g., 2-3 times higher). This parameter change makes the system adaptive to varying conditions like range and ammunition type, as the relative comparison automatically adjusts to the current background noise level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If vibration sensors are used to detect impacts, then real-time feedback can be provided, but significant background noise including impulsive noise makes it harder to isolate target vibrations from shock waves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time feedback capabilityVSAvoidsignal isolation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides real-time feedback by processing vibration sensor signals and immediately determining when a hit has occurred. The processor compares signals from multiple sensors in real-time, using the relative threshold method to distinguish impacts from background noise, and provides immediate feedback to the marksman. This maintains productivity while improving measurement reliability through multi-sensor comparison.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach enables reliable real-time feedback in noisy environments by isolating impact vibrations from background noise, ensuring accurate hit detection and providing improved training performance, even in maritime conditions.

Implementation Method 1

uses a plurality of vibration -sensors attached to a target. The outputs of the vibration sensors are voltage signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3099998B1Target training system
Publication Date: 2018.10.10 THE SEC OF STATE FOR DEFENCE IN HER BRITANNIC MAJESTYS GOVERNMENT OF THE UK OF GREAT BRITAIN & NORTHERN IRELAND
  • EP3099998B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2b
  • EP3099998B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3099998B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

There is provided a target training system (10) comprising target objects (12, 13, 14) affixed to a large foam base (19) and positioned substantially symmetrical about a vertical axis. The target objects (12, 13, 14) each have vibration sensors (16, 17, 18) for measuring impacts from projectiles. A gap (15) between the target objects (12, 13, 14), isolates them from mutual transmission of vibration, if one of the target objects (12, 13, 14) is struck by a projectile.