Breechless Projectile Alignment Module for Toy Blaster
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy projectile launchers require a mechanical breech for loading and launching projectiles, which complicates the design and increases costs, while also limiting the ability to launch multiple projectiles continuously without manual reloading.
Innovation Solution
A breechless launch apparatus that uses a combination of gravity and compressed air to continuously feed and launch soft projectiles, such as foam rounds and hydrated super absorbent polymer beads, through a barrel seal and launching barrel without the need for a mechanical breech.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical breech is used for loading and launching projectiles, then the launcher can control projectile discharge, but the design complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mechanical breech component entirely from the launcher system. Instead of using a complex mechanical closing mechanism, the invention uses a simple open hopper design where projectiles are loaded from above and discharged through a barrel seal, extracting the problematic mechanical complexity while maintaining the essential projectile discharge function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical breech system with a pneumatic system. Compressed air is used to push projectiles from the hopper through the barrel seal and into the barrel, eliminating the need for mechanical closing actions while maintaining controlled projectile discharge capability.
2Reliability
If a mechanical breech is used, then projectile loading is controlled, but continuous feeding of multiple projectiles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hopper design that pre-loads multiple projectiles into the launch chamber in advance. This preliminary stacking of projectiles allows the system to continuously fire multiple rounds without requiring manual reloading operations, as the next projectile is already positioned and ready for discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a continuous operation system where compressed air continuously pushes projectiles from the hopper through the barrel seal and into the barrel. Multiple projectiles can be discharged in succession without interruption, as the pneumatic system maintains continuous pressure and the hopper continuously supplies projectiles to the launch position.
3Reliability
If a mechanical breech is used, then single projectile discharge is controlled, but multi-projectile continuous launch is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the projectile storage and discharge system into distinct functional zones: a hopper for storing multiple projectiles, a barrel seal for controlling individual projectile discharge, and a barrel for the launch path. This segmentation allows the system to maintain control over each projectile discharge while enabling continuous firing of multiple projectiles from the hopper.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrel seal acts as an intermediary component between the hopper and the barrel. It controls the discharge of individual projectiles from the hopper while allowing multiple projectiles to be continuously fed through it, enabling both single-projectile control and multi-projectile continuous launch capabilities.
4Device complexity
If a mechanical breech is used, then design complexity increases, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive barrel seal design that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. This simple sealing mechanism, combined with the open hopper design, significantly reduces manufacturing costs compared to complex mechanical breech systems while maintaining adequate functionality.
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 breechless design allows for efficient and continuous launching of multiple projectiles, reducing the complexity and cost of the launcher while maintaining performance and play value.
Implementation Method 1
A channel into the alignment module capable of fluid communication with the compressed air source
Implementation Method 2
The pre-firing area is enabled to align at least one of the received projects at the at least one barrel seal by gravity
Data Source
AI summary
Launcher apparatus and methods for a toy projectile blaster with a breechless projectile alignment module having a receptacle or hopper for multiple received projectile rounds, a passage at the alignment module including a barrel seal to align received projectiles for launching through a blaster barrel, and a channel into the alignment module for a compressed air source. A pre-firing area defines a junction inside the alignment module extending between the receptacle, the channel, and the barrel seal. An actuator at the housing is linked with the compressed air source for causing compressed air to expel through the channel into the alignment module and outwardly launch the received projectile rounds.