Thermal Target Training System with Dynamic Temperature Signature Control, Hit Detection, and Thermal Visual Report

Abstract

The invention describes a target training aid designed for use with thermal imaging scopes, comprising a durable steel target plate with integrated heating and cooling systems to enhance thermal visibility. The target also features a vibration detection mechanism that responds to bullet impacts by altering the target's temperature, providing immediate feedback to the shooter. The target system is controlled by integrated circuitry, powered by an onboard power supply, ensuring efficient operation during training exercises.

Claims

1: A target training shooting aid comprising: a durable steel target plate designed to withstand being shot at; and a method of attaching said target plate to a stand.

2: The target training shooting aid of claim 1, wherein the target plate includes a method for heating the target plate.

3: The target training shooting aid of claim 1, wherein the target plate includes a method for cooling the target plate.

4: The target training shooting aid of claim 1, wherein the target plate includes a method for sensing vibrations caused by bullet impacts.

5: The target training shooting aid of claim 1, wherein the target plate includes circuitry capable of controlling the heating, cooling, and vibration sensing, powered by an integrated power supply.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1: Exploded view of Target Assembly

[0018] FIG. 2: Dimetric view of Target Assembly

[0019] FIG. 3: Side view of Target Assembly

[0020] FIG. 4: Target Stand with Targets on a Shooting Range

[0021] FIG. 5: Block Diagram of the Control Board

[0022] FIG. 6: Mobile Device ApplicationMain Screen

[0023] FIG. 7: Mobile Device ApplicationTarget Detail Screen

SCHEDULE OF PARTS

TABLE-US-00001 Part Assem- Number FIGS. bly Description 1 1 No Thermal Target Plate 2 1 No Thermo Electric Cooler (TEC) Device 3 1 No Heat Sink Plate 4 1 No Outer Front Target Plate Gong 4A 2, 4 No Mounting Holes 5 1 No Thermal Brake 6 1 No Mounting Spacers 7 1 No Control Board 8 1 No Batteries 9 1 No Battery Holder 10 1 No LED Illuminator 11 1 No TEC wires 12 2, 3, 4 Yes Target Assembly 13 4 No Shooting Range Target Stand 14 4 No Support Chains 15 5 No Block Circuit Diagram - Control Board 16 5 No Block Circuit - Batteries 17 5 No Block Circuit - Battery Charging Controller 18 5 No Block Circuit - Power Regulator 19 5 No Block Circuit - Microcontroller CPU 20 5 No Block Circuit - TEC Power Control Circuit (H-Bridge) 21 5 No Block Circuit - TEC Module 22 5 No Block Circuit - Temperature Sensor 23 5 No Block Circuit - Vibration Sensor 24 5 No Block Circuit - LED Transistors 25 5 No Block Circuit - LED Boards 26 5 No Block Circuit - Antenna Circuit 27 6, 7 No Mobile Device 28 6 No Application - List of Targets 29 6 No Application - Add New Targets 30 7 No Application Button to Go Back to Main Screen 31 7 No Target Selected (Target 1) 32 7 No Target Heat Set-point 33 7 No Target Current Temperature 34 7 No Manual Heat-On Button 35 7 No Manual Cooling-On Button 36 7 No Manual LED Identify Button 37 7 No Checkbox - Flash on Hit 38 7 No Checkbox - Cooling-On on Hit 39 7 No Checkbox - Turn Temp-Off on Hit 40 7 No Selector - Timer to Reset Heat 41 7 No Hit Counter Display 42 7 No Hit Counter Reset Button 43 7 No Battery Indicator 44 7 No Delete Target from App Button

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The invention comprises several mechanisms integrated behind a steel target that can be shot at for training purposes by a shooter. These include:

[0025] Heating and Cooling Mechanisms: The target plate includes an integrated heating system that can elevate the target's temperature, making it more visible to thermal imaging equipment. Additionally, a cooling system is incorporated to lower the temperature of the target either in response to detected vibrations or to maintain a controlled thermal profile during use. The temperature set is controlled through a feedback loop between a temperature sensor, microcontroller, and heating and cooling element.

[0026] Vibration Detection: A key feature of the invention is its ability to detect vibrations caused by bullet impacts. The target plate is equipped with a sensor that detects these vibrations and triggers a controlled temperature change, which is visible through thermal scopes, providing immediate feedback to the shooter.

[0027] Circuitry and Power Supply: The target system includes a control circuit that manages the heating, cooling, and vibration detection processes. The circuitry is powered by an integrated power supply, which may be rechargeable or replaceable, depending on the embodiment. The control circuit ensures that the target operates efficiently, providing reliable and consistent feedback during use. The circuitry communicates with a shooter's mobile device application.

[0028] Mobile Device Application: Various parameters can be set in the targets, and telemetry data can be received by the application from the targets. Parameters settable include the ability to control precisely the desired target temperature, what behavior happens in response to a hit, and target provisioning. Telemetry received from the targets includes current temperature of the target, number of times it was hit, and battery life remaining.

[0029] A more detailed explanation of how these actions are performed can better be obtained by reviewing various aspects of the invention's Figures.

[0030] FIG. 1 depicts the major components of the Target Assembly. It comprises a Thermal Target Plate (1) made of a durable steel, with a Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC) Device (2) thermally and mechanically attached to the rear of the Thermal Target Plate (1), such that efficient temperature transfer from the TEC Device (2) to the Thermal Plate (1) can be accomplished. The opposite side of the TEC Device is attached thermally and mechanically with the Heat Sink Plate (3), also such that heat can be transferred from the TEC Device (2) to the Heat Sink Plate (3). The TEC Device (2) is electrically connected to the Control Board via the TEC wires (11).

[0031] The Thermal Target Plate (1) is mounted in the center of the Outer Front Target Plate Gong (4), separated from direct contact with the Outer Front Target Plate Gong (4) by a Thermal Brake (5), limiting the amount of heat being transferred from the Thermal Target Plate (1) to the Outer Front Target Plate Gong (4), while minimizing the energy requirement to effectuate a temperature change of the Thermal Target Plate (1).

[0032] The Outer Front Target Plate Gong (4) is spaced from the Heat Sink Plate (3) through the use of several Mounting Spacers (6). This allows for an adequate, protected space for the Control Board (7) and TEC device (2) to be mounted. The Control Board (7) is electrically connected to a series of Batteries (8), such as LiPo 18650 high capacity batteries, held in place by the Battery Holder (9). While the preferred embodiment depicts the Batteries (8) and Battery Holder (9) mounted on the rear of the Heat Sink Plate (3), they could alternatively be mounted between the Outer Front Target Plate Gong (4) and the Heat Sink Plate (3), either permanently or temporarily.

[0033] Mounted between the Outer Front Target Plate Gong (4) and the Heat Sink Plate (3) are LED illuminators. These are to indicate in the visible spectrum to the shooter either a hit or to identify the target, depending on the target configuration. The LED illuminators are attached to the Control Board (7) electrically (not shown).

[0034] FIGS. 2 and 3 depicts the Target Assembly (12), as ready for use. FIG. 2 shows a dimetric view of the assembly, while FIG. 3 shows a side view. Mounting Holes (4A) are positioned so that the target can be affixed easily via D-Rings and chains, hooks, or similar methods to a target stand.

[0035] FIG. 4 shows three Target Assemblies (12) mounted via the target's Mounting Holes (4A), to Support Chains (14), to a Target Stand (13). This is an example arrangement of a set of targets, showing one of many ways that the targets can be positioned and supported on a shooting range.

[0036] FIG. 5 shows a Block Circuit Diagram of the Control Board (15). It comprises a set of Batteries (16). The Batteries (16) are connected to a Battery Charging Controller (17), to allow for easy, safe, charging of the batteries via common methods such as via a USB-C port and charger. The output of the Batteries (16) is connected to a Power Regulator (18) to supply the various voltages required for the circuitry. The Power Regulator (18) is connected electrically to the Central Processing Unit (CPU) Microcontroller (19).

[0037] The Microcontroller (19) controls the TEC Power Control Circuit (20). The preferred embodiment utilizes an H-Bridge, commonly used as a motor controller, due to its ability to efficiently apply current to its output terminals, and reverse the polarity on demand. Furthermore, it allows for the ability to control the intensity of the current output through Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). It should be noted that other methods such as relays, discrete transistors, or field effect transistors could also be implemented to accomplish this task. The output of the TEC Power Control Circuit (20) is connected directly to the wire leads of the TEC Module (21). The TEC Module in the preferred embodiment utilizes a Peltier junction, however other types of modules could also be utilized.

[0038] A Temperature Sensor (22), attached to the Thermal Target Plate (1), provides feedback to the CPU (19), as to the instantaneous temperature of the Thermal Target Plate (1). A Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) thermistor was implemented in the preferred embodiment, however any multitude of temperature sensors that report temperatures in the range of 0 F to 100 F would suffice.

[0039] A Vibration Sensor (23) is connected to the CPU (19), in mechanical contact with the Target Assembly (12), indicates to the CPU (19) when the target has been impacted by a bullet. In the preferred embodiment, the Vibration Sensor (23) is located on the Control Board (7).

[0040] LED Transistors (24), controlled by the CPU (19), switch power on and off to the LED Boards (25).

[0041] The Antenna Circuit (26) provides an efficient method of transmitting long range radio signals to the shooter's mobile device and control application, from the CPU (19).

[0042] FIG. 6 shows a shooter's Mobile Device (27). The Mobile Device (27) runs a control application that utilizes an interface allowing for the user to configure and indicate various target parameters. On the main screen depicted in FIG. 6, a List of Targets (28) in the application is displayed. New or additional targets can be added to the application through the Add New Targets button (19). A user can view Target Details by selecting a target from the List of Targets (28).

[0043] FIG. 7 depicts the shooter's Mobile Device (27), with Target Details on a specific selected target. In the Figure, Target 1 (31) has been selected. Parameters can be set for this target from this screen, such as the Target Heat Setpoint (32). The current target temperature of the Thermal Target Plate (1) is displayed in the Current Temp box (33).

[0044] Manual control of the heat settings can be also accomplished. To turn the heat of this target On, up until the Target Heat Setpoint (32) has been reached, the shooter can select the Heat On button (34). Similarly, the user can turn the Heat On, off, by unselecting the Heat On (34) button. The Thermal Target Plate (1) can also be rapidly cooled, by selecting the Cooling On button. Selecting this button will first ensure that if the Heat On is turned on, that it is de-selected and turned off. Then, the CPU (19) will reverse the flow of current into the TEC Module (21), through controlling the TEC Power Control Circuit (20), causing the heat from the Thermal Target Plate (1) to be pumped by the TEC device (2), into the Heat Sink Plate (3).

[0045] Options include Flash on Hit (38), where the LED Illuminators (10) will be brightly flashed when the Vibration Sensor (23) is activated. In addition Other Options include Cooling on Hit (38), and Turn Temp-Off on Hit (39). Cooling on Hit (38) will consume additional battery power to facilitate the cooling process of the Thermal Target Plate (1), however greatly enhances the ability to rapidly see the temperature change visually over just the Turning Temp-Off on Hit option. In addition, parameters can be set to Turn back on after (40) the heating process of the Thermal Target Plate (1) after a set time has elapsed.

[0046] To track basic user metrics, a Hit Counter (41) indicates the number of times the Vibration Sensor (23) has been triggered since it was last reset. Resetting the counter is accomplished by selecting the Reset button (42).

[0047] Target battery life can be determined by reading the Battery Remaining (43) indicator display.

[0048] If a target is no longer part of the shooting range system, it can be deleted from the application by selecting the Delete from System button.