Arm-Mounted Projectile Launcher with Elastic Energy Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional projectile toys are handheld, making them difficult to load, aim, and launch effectively.
Innovation Solution
A projectile toy launching apparatus that can be mounted on the user's arm, featuring a launch body with a slot for the projectile, an energy storage device, and a latch for releasing the stored energy, secured to the arm using bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional handheld projectile toys are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in loading, aiming, and launching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from handheld operation to arm-mounted operation, changing the spatial dimension of interaction. The launching apparatus is positioned on the user's arm rather than held in the hand, allowing the user to aim by moving the arm naturally while the apparatus remains stable on the arm surface. This dimensional change from hand-held to arm-mounted operation significantly improves ease of loading, aiming, and launching.
2Ease of operation
If the launching apparatus is mounted on the arm, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional mounting components
Solution Approach 1:
The bands serve multiple functions: they secure the launching apparatus to the arm, provide positioning stability, and allow for easy adjustment and removal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized mounting components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining improved ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of flexible bands instead of rigid mounting structures allows the apparatus to be securely attached to the arm while accommodating different arm sizes and shapes. The flexibility of the bands provides a simple yet effective mounting solution that does not significantly increase device complexity.
3Productivity
If handheld design is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity deteriorates due to difficulty in rapid loading and launching
Solution Approach 1:
The launching apparatus is pre-positioned on the user's arm in a ready state, with the slot oriented for easy projectile insertion. The energy storage device is pre-charged and the latch is positioned for quick release. This preliminary positioning and preparation enable rapid loading and launching without requiring complex mechanisms, thereby improving productivity with minimal increase in device complexity.
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
Enables easy loading, aiming, and launching of projectiles by allowing the apparatus to be securely mounted on the user's arm, improving the overall usability and efficiency of the toy.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage device, and a latch for releasing the energy stored in the energy storage device
Data Source
AI summary
A launching apparatus for a projectile toy with a launch body having a slot adapted to engage with a projectile, an energy storage device, and a latch for releasing the energy stored in the energy storage device. One or more bands are adapted to secure the launch body to the arm of a user.