CO2 Model Car Launcher with Adjustable Towers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CO2 model car launchers are expensive to manufacture, unreliable, and often introduce bias in racing results due to inconsistent launching mechanisms, making it difficult to determine the winner based on the model maker's skill rather than the launch mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective CO2 model car launcher with a base plate supporting two towers and launch modules, featuring a firing pin mechanism with a sliding trigger plate that allows simultaneous and fair launching of multiple cars, adjustable for different heights, and the ability to gang multiple launchers for simultaneous launches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing CO2 model car launchers are used, then cars can be launched, but the manufacturing cost is high and the launching mechanism introduces bias in racing results
Solution Approach 1:
The launcher is divided into separate modular components including a base plate, adjustable towers, and individual launch modules. Each module can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining consistent launching performance through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The launch modules feature adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow dynamic adaptation to different car heights and configurations. This adjustability eliminates bias toward specific vehicle types while maintaining consistent launch conditions through controlled mechanical engagement of the firing pin with the CO2 cartridge.
2Reliability
If existing launchers are used, then cars can be launched, but the mechanism is unreliable and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The firing pin mechanism is extracted as a separate, dedicated component with a specific engagement geometry designed to reliably puncture the CO2 cartridge nozzle. This isolated mechanism ensures consistent triggering across multiple launches while simplifying the overall system by separating the firing function from the launch module structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The launch modules are pre-positioned on adjustable towers that can be set beforehand to the correct height and alignment. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the firing pin engages the CO2 cartridge, the launch occurs at the optimal angle and distance, producing consistent and reliable results without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing launchers are used, then cars can be launched, but bias is introduced towards taller vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The towers and launch modules feature adjustable positioning that allows dynamic adaptation to different vehicle heights. The modules can be raised or lowered along the towers to maintain optimal engagement geometry regardless of car height, eliminating bias toward taller vehicles while ensuring fair launching conditions for all participants.
Solution Approach 2:
The launcher system is designed with universal adjustability to accommodate various vehicle types and heights. The same base plate and tower structure can support different launch module configurations, making the system universally applicable to CO2 model cars of different sizes while maintaining consistent and fair launching performance across all vehicle types.
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
Ensures a safe, consistent, and fair launch of multiple CO2 propelled model cars, eliminating bias towards vehicle height and allowing for simultaneous launching of more than two cars, primarily relying on the model maker's skill for race outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The cartridges used are of the type known to pressurize seltzer bottles and the like. Once the plug terminal is pierced, the pressurized gas exits the cartridge through the neck outlet resulting in the creation of thrust.
Implementation Method 2
The launcher is armed, or cocked, by pulling outwardly on the knob and rotating it so that the disc can pass through one of the two respective slots in the trigger plate then rotated again so that the long, or fat, part of the disc engages the plate itself and is held in that position by the force of a spring inside the launch module.
Implementation Method 3
Pulling sidewise on the trigger plate causes the fat parts of the discs to simultaneously disengage from their respective slots thereby allowing the spring to slam the sharp end of the firing pin into the frangible end of each CO2 cartridge releasing both at the same time
Data Source
AI summary
A CO2 gas-propelled model car launcher permits two or more model vehicles to be launched substantially simultaneously. Launching of the vehicles is achieved by moving a trigger plate sidewise which disengages a disc and thereby releases a firing pin whose forward movement punctures the CO2 cartridge. A height adjustment feature permits the launcher to accommodate model cars of different sizes. Multiple launchers may be ganged together and their trigger plates rigidly connected in such a way that sidewise movement of one trigger plate launches all of the model vehicles.