Launcher Element Geometry to Deflect Hazardous Barrel Obstructions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing launch apparatuses, such as toy guns, pose a safety risk due to the potential launching of anomalous objects like wooden skewers, which can cause severe injuries to children.
Innovation Solution
A launch apparatus with a launcher element configured to push anomalous objects, such as wooden skewers, in a direction other than the launch direction, preferably against the inner surface of the guide channel, using a narrowing front portion and beveled or concave shapes to prevent ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the launcher element is designed to accelerate objects in the launch direction, then the launching function is improved, but anomalous objects may be launched at high speed causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The launcher element has different functional zones: a first portion with a narrowing front portion for interacting with anomalous objects to push them perpendicular to the launch direction, and a second portion for accelerating intended objects in the launch direction. This local differentiation allows the same component to handle both safety and performance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The launcher element is divided into distinct functional segments: the first portion (with narrowing front) deals with anomaly detection and deflection, while the second portion handles the primary acceleration function. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the launcher element pushes anomalous objects perpendicular to the launch direction, then safety is improved, but the launcher element may collide with anomalous objects causing energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The narrowing front portion of the launcher element is designed to preliminarily deflect anomalous objects perpendicular to the launch direction before the main acceleration phase. This preliminary action removes hazardous objects from the launch path, preventing energy loss from collisions during the main acceleration event.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential harmful collision between the launcher element and anomalous objects is converted into a beneficial safety feature. The narrowing front portion uses the collision to deflect anomalous objects sideways against the guide channel wall, where friction and normal forces dissipate their kinetic energy safely without compromising the launcher element's integrity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the guide channel has a narrow cross-section to prevent anomalous objects from exiting, then safety is improved, but the guide channel may not accommodate the intended launch objects properly
Solution Approach 1:
The guide channel cross-section is designed with dynamic characteristics: it has sufficient space to accommodate intended launch objects during normal operation, but the narrowing front portion of the launcher element creates an effective barrier that prevents anomalous objects from exiting, regardless of the channel's overall dimensions.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the launcher element has a narrowing front portion to deflect anomalous objects, then safety is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The narrowing front portion introduces asymmetric geometry to the otherwise symmetric launcher element. This asymmetric design is achieved through conventional manufacturing methods such as CNC machining or injection molding, where the narrowing portion is simply a variation in the cross-sectional profile along the length of the element, not requiring complex multi-step processes.
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
This design effectively reduces the risk of launching anomalous objects at high speed by either slowing them down or preventing ejection, enhancing safety by ensuring such objects do not exit the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
the at least part of the launcher element is configured to, when it is driven through the guide channel in the launch direction and when the anomalous object is present in the guide channel, push the anomalous object in a direction that is perpendicular to the launch direction
Implementation Method 2
the anomalous object will experience a drag force from the inner surface which reduces the speed of the anomalous object
Implementation Method 3
the launcher element is configured to accelerate the loaded object for launching the loaded object from the launch apparatus when the at least part of the launcher element is driven through the guide channel in the launch direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A launch apparatus, such as a toy gun, is disclosed herein. The launch apparatus comprises a launch system for launching an object that has been loaded in the launch apparatus. The launch system comprises a guide channel extending in a launch direction. The launch system also comprises a launcher element. At least part of the launcher element is mounted in the guide channel and is movable through the guide channel along the launch direction. Further, the launch system comprises a drive system for driving the at least part of the launcher element through the guide channel in the launch direction. The launcher element is configured to accelerate the loaded object for launching the loaded object from the launch apparatus when the at least part of the launcher element is driven through the guide channel in the launch direction. Further, the at least part of the launcher element is configured to, when it is driven through the guide channel in the launch direction and when an anomalous object, such as a wooden skewer, is present in the guide channel, push the anomalous object in a direction other than the launch direction, such as upwards or downwards or sideways, preferably against an inner surface of the guide channel.