Wireless Shot Timer Target with Vertical Plastic Strike Face
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shot timers in shooting sports rely on audio stimuli, which do not accurately simulate real-life combat scenarios, and existing reactive training targets are complex, costly, and heavy due to their use of steel and rotational lifting mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A visual stimulus-based shot timer with vertically sliding plastic targets and a Wi-Fi enabled system that allows customizable engagement scenarios, using a car window lifting mechanism and hit sensors, enabling realistic training with multiple targets and randomized presentations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If audio stimulus is used to start the timer, then the reaction time is faster (0.17s), but it does not accurately simulate real-life combat scenarios where visual stimuli are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the audio stimulus mechanism with a visual stimulus mechanism. Instead of using sound to trigger the start signal, the system uses visual display of target images and timing indicators on a screen, which better simulates real combat scenarios while maintaining measurable timing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the combat scenario through displayed target images and timing visuals. The system reproduces the visual aspects of real combat situations on a digital display, allowing trainees to practice visual reaction skills in a controlled environment that closely mirrors actual conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If steel targets with rotational lifting mechanisms are used, then the targets can be raised and lowered, but the system becomes complex, costly, and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical rotational lifting mechanism with a simpler vertical sliding mechanism. The targets move up and down in straight lines within vertical channels, eliminating the need for complex rotation joints, bearings, and motor assemblies while maintaining the ability to present targets dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the complex rotational lifting mechanism entirely from the system. By eliminating this unnecessary mechanical complexity, the design achieves target movement capability through a simpler vertical sliding approach, reducing cost, weight, and maintenance requirements.
3Strength
If steel targets are used, then the targets remain intact after impact, but the system requires very strong lifting mechanisms and becomes costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from steel to a lighter, less expensive material that can be easily replaced. The new material specification allows for cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining sufficient durability for the application, as targets can be quickly swapped without requiring extremely robust lifting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts disposable or easily replaceable target elements made from inexpensive materials. Instead of investing in expensive, highly durable steel targets that require powerful mechanisms, the system uses affordable targets that can be quickly replaced, reducing both manufacturing costs and the need for strong lifting infrastructure.
4Reliability
If multiple targets with random presentation are used, then the training is more realistic, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control system that manages multiple targets through a single centralized interface. The control unit can randomly select and present any combination of targets, providing versatile training scenarios without requiring separate control mechanisms for each target, thus managing complexity through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic randomness in target presentation through software control. The system randomly determines which targets are raised, in what sequence, and for how long, creating realistic unpredictable combat scenarios. This dynamic behavior is achieved through programmable logic rather than complex mechanical switching mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless electronic network of one or more shooting targets controlled by a Wi-Fi enabled user device (laptop, tablet, phone etc.) that electronically records hits to a vertically raising strike face and presents feedback to the shooter. Each individual target is mounted on a folding plastic frame and is able to lift a plastic strike face into position to begin a shooting training scenario once command is sent via Wi-Fi enabled user device. Projectiles are able to pass through the plastic strike face and the target is able to register hits and record performance data for presentation to the user at the end of a training scenario. The targets are able to be programmed to operate in a variety of user customizable scenarios, to include, but not limited to: Fall when hit, fall after a predetermined number of hits or stay up for a predetermined number of seconds etc. When multiple targets are used together they can be programmed to raise one after another, or in any order and combination of modes that the user can imagine. In this manner the scenario that a shooter might be presented with is intended to be infinitely customizable to train a shooter to be able to think and react on their feet rather than rehearse linear skills by rote. Once a scenario is concluded the strike faces will be lowered and feedback data is transmitted to the shooters Wi-Fi enabled device. The targets are able to be programmed to initiate a shooting scenario when triggered by a motion sensor module that can be mounted to the targets themselves or detached and operated remotely, to be positioned such that the targets begin their scenario once a shooter enters a room or comes around an obstacle. The maximum distance of operation between the controlling Wi-Fi enabled user device and the targets can be extended by use of relay modules to receive and transmit the Wi-Fi signals from the user device to the targets.