Toy Dart Launcher Lock Mechanism Preventing Jamming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Toy dart launchers that simulate pump-action rifles face jamming issues due to the soft foam darts compressing or distorting when loaded, which prevents proper operation, and existing gun locks are overly complex and expensive, not addressing jamming effectively.
Innovation Solution
A toy dart launcher with a lock mechanism that operates momentarily during the cock and load cycle to prevent the slide from moving forward after reaching a predetermined rearward position, ensuring only one dart is loaded and discharged, and resets for the next cycle, preventing jamming while being simple, inexpensive, and structurally robust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock mechanism is added to prevent jamming, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock bar is designed to move dynamically between locked and unlocked positions during the pump action cycle. As the slide moves rearward, the lock bar automatically shifts from blocking the magazine to allowing dart ejection, providing adaptive control without additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism utilizes the existing pump action motion to automatically control dart release. The rearward movement of the slide during normal operation automatically triggers the lock bar to move into position, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms
2Reliability
If existing gun lock devices are used, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential locking function needed for this specific application, removing unnecessary components of existing gun lock devices. The simplified lock bar provides adequate safety control without the complexity of commercial firearm safety mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and integrated into the toy launcher, making the overall device more cost-effective while maintaining safety functionality
3Reliability
If the lock prevents slide movement entirely, then jamming is prevented, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock bar provides dynamic, momentary blocking during the pump action cycle rather than continuous restriction. It automatically moves out of the way during proper rearward slide movement, allowing full operational freedom while preventing improper forward movement that would cause jamming
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 lock mechanism effectively prevents jamming by ensuring proper operation of the launcher, allowing for easy and reliable discharge of soft foam darts, while maintaining a safe and cost-effective design that simulates a Tommy gun's pump-action mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded lock bar that prevents the slide from moving forward after the dart is loaded
Implementation Method 2
a compressed spring to propel the dart forward when the trigger is pulled
Data Source
AI summary
A launcher apparatus for soft foam toy darts, the apparatus having a lock that operates momentarily during a cock and load cycle of the launcher apparatus to prevent an improper cocking operation. The launcher apparatus includes a barrel, a slide, a firing assembly and the lock. The launcher apparatus also includes three protrusions or surfaces for operative engagement with the lock to partially depress the lock, to fully depress the lock, and to disengage the lock to reset the launcher apparatus for the next cock and load cycle. During operation, one protrusion surface depresses the lock partially and momentarily, a second protrusion or surface fully depresses the lock to enable the lock to be maintained in the depressed state, and a third protrusion or surface causes the lock to be released.