Launcher Device With Hooking Fingers For Versatile Object Launch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for launching objects, such as tennis balls for pets, require specific designs for different sizes and shapes, are difficult to use with varying throwing techniques, and are prone to mechanical issues like frictional problems and surface contamination, limiting their versatility and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A launching device with a handle, a straight rigid shaft, and a launch head featuring primary and secondary curved fingers that allow for secure hooking and launching of objects from various angles with reduced user effort, accommodating different shapes and sizes, and functioning effectively with overhand, underhand, or sideways throws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cup-like head with friction-based holding is used to secure the ball, then the ball can be held in place, but more force is required to overcome friction and release the ball
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using friction to hold the ball (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using a mechanical hooking mechanism where the fingers engage with the hooking member of the object. The object is held by mechanical interlocking rather than friction, and released by disengaging the hooking member from the fingers through a throwing motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the friction-based holding mechanism and replaces it with a hooking member engagement system. The curved fingers are designed to specifically engage with a hooking member on the object, separating the holding function from friction and creating a dedicated mechanical engagement system.
2Reliability
If the cup size is made smaller to fit tighter for new balls, then new balls are held securely, but worn balls with larger surfaces do not hold in place
Solution Approach 1:
The launching device is designed with curved fingers that can accommodate various sizes and shapes of objects with hooking members. The hooking mechanism provides universal compatibility across different object types and wear conditions, unlike the size-specific cup design.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved fingers are designed to flex and adapt to different object dimensions. The dynamic nature of the finger engagement allows the device to accommodate worn balls and objects of varying sizes, providing adaptability that rigid cup designs cannot achieve.
3Reliability
If the cup and ball surfaces become coated with foreign materials, then the cup can no longer pick up, hold or throw the ball, requiring cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of surface contamination into a non-issue by using a mechanical hooking mechanism rather than friction-based holding. The hooking member engagement does not depend on surface cleanliness, so dirt, mud, sand, or pet saliva do not affect the holding capability, eliminating the need for cleaning.
4Speed
If an overhand throw with locked wrist is used to dislodge the ball from the cup, then the ball can be thrown, but it requires energy from arm and shoulder and practice to throw accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the throwing mechanism from friction-based dislodging to hooking member engagement and release. The curved fingers engage the hooking member, and the throwing motion naturally disengages it, eliminating the need for locked wrist and overhand technique practice.
Solution Approach 2:
The hooking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage through the natural motion of picking up and throwing the object. The system serves itself by using the user's natural picking motion to both secure and launch the object, without requiring specialized throwing techniques.
5Reliability
If different throwing devices are used for each ball size, then each ball fits the cup properly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The launching device is designed as a universal tool that can accommodate various sizes and shapes of objects with hooking members. The curved fingers and hooking engagement mechanism provide adaptability across different object types, eliminating the need for multiple size-specific devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved fingers are designed to flex and adapt to different object dimensions, providing a dynamic fitting mechanism that accommodates various ball sizes and shapes with a single device, rather than requiring rigid size-specific cups.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for launching objects of varying shapes and sizes that include a means of being hooked and accurately launched overhand, underhand, or sideways with minimal effort and strain.