Launch and Catch Apparatus with Resilient Outlet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recreational games of catch can be challenging for participants with differing dexterities and strengths, and often require the use of both hands, limiting accessibility and efficiency in launching and catching projectiles.
Innovation Solution
A launch and catch apparatus featuring a frame with a tubular body that includes an inlet and outlet region, where the outlet opening is smaller than the inlet and can resiliently expand to launch projectiles using centrifugal forces, allowing single-handed operation and adjustable size settings for various projectile sizes and user strengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional ball or flying disc is used for games of catch, then the game can be played with simple equipment, but participants with differing dexterities and strengths find it challenging and it requires use of both hands
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus serves as an intermediary device between the user and the projectile. It includes a receiving structure that catches the projectile and a launching mechanism that propels it forward, eliminating the need for the user to directly catch and throw with their hands. This mediator approach allows users with limited dexterity to participate effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus performs the launching function automatically using centrifugal force generated by the user's swinging motion. The user simply swings the apparatus and the projectile is launched without requiring manual throwing action, making the system self-serving for the throwing function.
2Reliability
If the outlet opening is made smaller to retain the projectile, then the projectile can be held securely, but it cannot be launched effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet opening transitions from a static small aperture to a dynamic structure that can expand. During the launching phase, the outlet opening expands under centrifugal force to allow the projectile to be propelled forward, while maintaining a small size during the retention phase to securely hold the projectile.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of the outlet opening (its size) is changed dynamically during operation. It maintains a small nominal size for secure retention, but can expand to a larger size during launching. This parameter change allows the same structure to fulfill both retention and launching functions.
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
Enables efficient and accessible launching of projectiles over longer distances using centrifugal forces, accommodating different user strengths and projectile sizes, while allowing single-handed operation and adjustable settings for optimal performance.
Implementation Method 1
The outlet region is configured to resiliently expand within a range of expanded sizes that are greater than a nominal size of the outlet opening when the apparatus is used to launch the projectile out of the outlet opening
Data Source
AI summary
Launch and catch apparatus, kits including the same, and methods of using the same to launch and catch balls and other projectiles. The apparatus include a frame and a tubular body operatively coupled to the frame. The frame includes a handle and defines an inlet opening sized to receive a projectile. The tubular body includes an inlet region operatively coupled to the frame to receive the projectile when the projectile passes through the inlet opening. The tubular body further includes an outlet region configured to receive and retain the projectile after the projectile passes through the inlet opening. The apparatus is configured to launch the projectile out of an outlet opening of the outlet region. The outlet opening may have an adjustable nominal size and may be configured to resiliently expand when a projectile is launched out of the outlet opening.