Pneumatic Projectile Launcher Nozzle Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airsoft projectile launching systems, particularly pneumatic and spring-powered systems, suffer from mechanical failures, performance shortcomings, and compatibility issues with airsoft equipment.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatically operated projectile launching system featuring a solenoid valve actuated by an electronic control unit, or mechanically/pneumatically, which directs compressed gas to actuate a nozzle to launch projectiles, improving accuracy and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compressed spring is used to drive the piston, then the projectile can be launched, but the system is prone to mechanical failure due to stresses applied by the compressed spring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional spring-driven mechanical system with a pneumatic system that uses compressed gas to drive the piston. This substitution eliminates the mechanical stresses and failures associated with compressed springs while maintaining the projectile launching function through gas pressure actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a pneumatic launching system where compressed gas is stored in a reservoir and released to drive the piston forward. The pneumatic mechanism uses gas pressure instead of mechanical spring force, resolving the contradiction between reliability and mechanical stress by eliminating the spring component entirely.
2Ease of operation
If a solenoid valve is actuated electrically, then the system offers improved accuracy and usability, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual or mechanical valve actuation with an electrically actuated solenoid valve. This allows for precise electronic control of the compressed gas release, improving accuracy and ease of operation through electrical signals while accepting the trade-off of increased device complexity.
3Productivity
If the nozzle is actuated to the forward position, then the projectile is launched, but the sealing between the nozzle and valve body must be maintained under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible seal between the movable nozzle and the valve body that maintains sealing reliability under pressure. The flexible sealing element can deform to accommodate the movement of the nozzle while maintaining contact and preventing gas leakage, thus supporting both high firing rate and sealing reliability.
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 system enhances accuracy and usability while reducing mechanical failures, offering improved compatibility with airsoft equipment and maintaining performance over time.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid control valve is preferably a solenoid valve, actuated electrically by signals received from an electronic control unit
Implementation Method 2
a fluid control valve directs compressed gas from the firing chamber to the rear surface of the nozzle. As the rear surface area of the nozzle is greater than the front surface area, the nozzle is actuated to the forward position
Implementation Method 3
While the nozzle is in the rearward position, gas flow through the nozzle is prevented by a seal between the nozzle and the secondary valve body
Data Source
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AI summary
A pneumatic assembly for a projectile launching system including a body defining a continuous bore is provided. A nozzle is positioned within the bore adjacent the forward end of the body and is moveable between a rearward position wherein the nozzle facilitates passage of a projectile through a projectile port and a forward position wherein the nozzle blocks the projectile port to prevent passage of a projectile therethrough.