Ergonomic Ball Launcher with Ratcheting Cocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball launching devices for playing fetch with dogs are often cumbersome and require manual cocking, limiting their use by younger or elderly users and not allowing for easy reloading or adjustable launch distances without hand contact.
Innovation Solution
A compact ball-launching device featuring an elongated housing with a ball holder, elastomeric member, and cocking mechanism that allows for manual cocking and reloading without hand contact, enabling adjustable launch distances up to 50 feet, using a combination of pulleys and ratcheting mechanisms for ergonomic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a prior art ball launching device is designed to launch balls long distances, then the launch distance is improved, but the device becomes cumbersome and requires manual cocking that limits use by younger or elderly users
Solution Approach 1:
The cocking mechanism is divided into discrete ratchet teeth that allow incremental cocking positions. Each tooth represents a discrete step in the cocking process, enabling users to cock the device in manageable increments rather than requiring a single large manual effort. This segmentation makes the device easier to operate for users with limited strength while still achieving long launch distances through multiple incremental steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a dynamic cocking mechanism with a movable ball holder that can be positioned at different stages along the elongated axis. The ball holder transitions from a retracted position to an extended cocked position through the ratchet mechanism, allowing the launch distance to be dynamically adjusted based on user capability and desired ball trajectory, thereby accommodating users of different ages and strengths.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device allows for adjustable launch distances, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cocking mechanism is merged with the ball holder assembly, where the ball holder itself serves as the cocking element. The same component that holds the ball also provides the ratchet teeth and engages with the spring mechanism, eliminating the need for a separate cocking device. This merging reduces overall device complexity while still providing adjustable launch distances through the integrated ratchet system.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball holder serves multiple functions: it holds the ball, provides the ratchet teeth for incremental cocking, engages with the elastomeric member spring, and positions the ball for launch. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the device, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining the ability to adjust launch distances through its various operational positions.
3Ease of manufacture
If the device requires manual cocking, then ease of manufacture is improved, but productivity is reduced due to time-consuming reloading
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric member spring is pre-loaded and stored in an extended position within the housing, ready to propel the ball holder forward. The ratchet mechanism is pre-configured with teeth that engage with the ball holder at specific intervals, allowing for quick incremental cocking without requiring complex assembly or adjustment during reloading. This preliminary preparation enables fast reloading while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism automatically engages with the ball holder as it is pulled backward for cocking, providing self-regulating incremental positioning without requiring user intervention to set each step. The spring automatically returns the ball holder to its forward position after release, and the ratchet teeth remain in place for the next loading cycle. This self-service mechanism accelerates reloading while keeping the device simple to manufacture.
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 device provides a compact, user-friendly mechanism for launching balls over 50 feet, allowing easy reloading and adjustable distances, suitable for a wide range of users, including children and the elderly, while maintaining ergonomic design and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomeric member may be a rod shape with a length selectively arranged within the housing to bias the ball holder from the second position towards the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A ball-launching device includes a housing, ball holder, elastomeric member, cocking member, latch, and trigger assembly. The housing has an opening at a first end defining an elongated cavity. The ball holder is disposed in the cavity and slidable in an axial direction from a first position proximate to the opening at the housing first end, to a second position. The elastomeric member is selectively arranged within the housing to bias the ball holder toward the first position. The cocking member includes a first portion disposed outside of the housing, being usable to move the ball holder into a cocked position, where the latch opposes the bias of the elastomeric member and releasably secures the cocking member and the ball holder. Actuating the trigger assembly releases the latch, permitting the elastomeric member to accelerate the ball holder towards the housing first end to launch the ball therefrom.