Over-Arm Lever-Cocked Toy Projectile Launcher for Battery-Free Rapid Fire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy launchers that use compressed air mechanisms are difficult for younger users to operate due to the need for strength to cock the launcher, and battery-operated mechanisms require power sources that may not be convenient for all users.
Innovation Solution
A toy launcher design featuring a lever arm mechanism that pivots to cock a piston, using a resilient biasing element to store compressed air, which is then released to launch projectiles without the need for batteries, allowing for rapid-fire operation through a lever arm's pivoting motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding forearm grip mechanism is used to cock the launcher, then compressed air can be generated to launch projectiles, but younger users may not have the strength to easily operate the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear sliding motion (forearm grip moving back and forth in a straight line) to rotational arc motion (lever arm pivoting about a fulcrum). This dimensional change allows users to exploit muscular leverage and body weight during the cocking motion, significantly reducing the strength required to compress the spring while maintaining the same compressed air generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the cocking mechanism into distinct functional segments: the lever arm for user input, the fulcrum for mechanical advantage, the drive arm for motion transmission, and the piston for air compression. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the lever arm specifically designed to reduce the effort required from the user.
2Productivity
If battery-operated pusher mechanisms with rotating wheels are used to propel projectiles, then rapid-fire capability can be achieved, but batteries are required which may not be convenient for all users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-loaded piston system that stores mechanical energy during the cocking phase and automatically releases it to propel the projectile. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources like batteries, making the launcher simpler and more universally usable while maintaining rapid-fire capability through repeated cocking and firing cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes periodic cocking and firing cycles to achieve rapid-fire capability. The spring-loaded piston is repeatedly compressed and released in a periodic manner, allowing multiple projectiles to be launched in succession without requiring continuous external power, thus achieving high productivity through rhythmic mechanical action.
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 easy operation by younger users and allows for rapid-fire capability without the need for batteries, enhancing user accessibility and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a piston and cylinder arrangement in the housing with the piston being resiliently biased toward a first end of the cylinder by a biasing element
Implementation Method 2
the piston being moveable toward a second end of the cylinder to a cocked position by the lever arm being pivoted relative to the housing from a first position to a second position
Implementation Method 3
The cylinder includes a compressed air delivery opening at or connected to the first end that is configured to deliver compressed air from the cylinder to the toy projectile holder
Data Source
AI summary
A toy launcher with a housing and a toy projectile holder thereon. A lever arm extends outside the housing and is connected for pivoting movement relative thereto. A piston and cylinder arrangement is located in the housing, with the piston being resiliently biased toward a first end of the cylinder and being moveable toward a second end thereof to a cocked position by the lever arm being pivoted from a first position to a second position. The cylinder is configured to deliver compressed air to the toy projectile holder. A releasable piston catch holds the piston in the cocked position, and is releasable by the trigger or movement of the lever arm itself such that the piston is driven by the biasing element toward the first end of the cylinder to deliver compressed air to the toy projectile holder for launching. The toy projectile can be a foam dart.