Concentric Piston Air Launcher for Compact Gas Pressurization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air launch apparatuses suffer from inefficient pressurization of gas upstream of the projectile and require a large footprint due to the need for a chamber to accommodate sufficient pressurized gas, resulting in unwieldy designs.
Innovation Solution
An air launch apparatus with a concentric piston design that uses a nut to hold the piston stationary during cocking, allowing for efficient pressurization and compact construction by utilizing a plunger to compress gas within an air chamber, which is then directed to propel the projectile through a central passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large chamber is used to accommodate sufficient pressurized gas, then the gas pressurization efficiency is improved, but the device footprint becomes large and unwieldy
Solution Approach 1:
The piston is positioned concentrically within the barrel, with the spring nested within the piston structure. This nested arrangement allows the pressurization components to be compactly integrated, achieving efficient gas compression without requiring a large external chamber volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a linear arrangement of components to a concentric/circular arrangement. The piston surrounds the barrel in a radial configuration, utilizing three-dimensional space more efficiently. This dimensional reorganization allows sufficient pressurization volume to be achieved within a smaller overall footprint.
2Power
If pressure chambers and pistons are arranged in line or side by side, then the desired pressurization performance is achieved, but the device becomes unwieldy and excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The piston is positioned concentrically within the barrel, with the spring nested within the piston structure. This nested arrangement allows the pressurization components to be compactly integrated, achieving efficient gas compression without requiring a large external chamber volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a linear arrangement of components to a concentric/circular arrangement. The piston surrounds the barrel in a radial configuration, utilizing three-dimensional space more efficiently. This dimensional reorganization allows sufficient pressurization volume to be achieved within a smaller overall footprint.
3Area of stationary object
If a concentric piston design is used, then the device achieves compact size and efficient pressurization, but the piston must be held stationary during cocking requiring additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The nut and front block are combined into a single integrated component that performs multiple functions: it secures the piston during cocking, guides piston movement during firing, and structures the gas flow path. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining the necessary control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The front block serves multiple purposes: it acts as a structural support, a guide for piston movement, a holder for the nut, and a component that directs gas flow. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
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 concentric piston design achieves efficient pressurization and compact size, enabling high-velocity projectile ejection with improved performance and reduced bulk.
Implementation Method 1
A compressed spring or other resistance member of the air launch apparatus may act on the plunger to drive the piston and the plunger rearward
Implementation Method 2
As the plunger is driven rearward, the plunger may compress gas disposed within the air chamber
Implementation Method 3
Such pressurized gas may impinge upon the projectile and may urge the projectile to pass through a central passage of the barrel
Data Source
AI summary
An air launch apparatus includes a frame, a grip, and a plurality of sidewalls and also includes a hollow substantially cylindrical barrel having a central longitudinal axis. The air launch apparatus further includes a piston disposed substantially concentric with the barrel. The piston is configured to move longitudinally along the outer surface of the barrel in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis. The air launch apparatus also includes a nut that is configured to engage the piston as a front block carrying the nut is drawn rearward toward a user, and to hold the piston stationary relative to the front block while so engaged. A plunger, fixedly connected to the piston, is configured to move with the piston. Movement of the piston and plunger, forward during cocking draws air into a volume within an air chamber of the air launch apparatus.