Projectile Packaging Flight Chamber Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging systems for products that launch projectiles do not allow potential purchasers to observe the motion of the projectile free from the launching device, posing hazards and making the product defective, as they lack a mechanism to contain and reset the projectile within the packaging.
Innovation Solution
A packaging apparatus comprising a launcher and a disposable housing with a flight chamber that allows the projectile to be launched and observed independently of the launcher, with the chamber extending beyond the projectile's length to contain its motion and a transparent material for visibility, and a method for resetting the projectile for subsequent launches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the projectile is launched from the launcher within packaging, then the motion of the projectile can be demonstrated to potential purchasers, but the projectile may exit the packaging causing safety hazards and product defects
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging is segmented into distinct functional zones: a launch chamber where the projectile is launched, and a flight chamber where the projectile travels independently. This segmentation allows the projectile to be demonstrated in motion while containing it within defined boundaries, resolving the contradiction between demonstration capability and safety containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The flight chamber acts as an intermediary space between the launcher and the external environment. It receives the launched projectile, contains its motion path, and prevents it from exiting the packaging, thereby enabling safe demonstration while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If the projectile is secured to the launcher within packaging, then the product components remain connected and protected, but the projectile cannot be launched and observed independently
Solution Approach 1:
The projectile is preliminarily secured to the launcher during packaging assembly, ensuring component integrity. The packaging structure is pre-configured with a flight chamber that will contain the projectile's motion path. When demonstrated, the projectile can be launched and observed independently while the packaging remains intact, resolving the contradiction between component integrity and motion demonstration.
3Ease of operation
If the packaging contains a flight chamber extending beyond the projectile length, then the projectile motion can be contained and observed, but the packaging complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging structure serves multiple functions: it protects the launcher and projectile during transport, provides a flight chamber for motion demonstration, and contains the projectile within safe boundaries. By making the packaging multi-functional, the increased structural complexity is justified by the additional capabilities it provides, resolving the contradiction between motion observation and packaging complexity.
4Ease of operation
If the packaging material is transparent to allow visualization of the projectile, then the motion can be observed from outside, but the packaging loses protective concealment
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging material has different optical properties in different regions: transparent or translucent portions allow visualization of the projectile's motion, while opaque portions provide protective concealment and structural strength. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between visualization capability and protective function.
Data Source
AI summary
Packaging apparatus for retaining a projectile launched from a launcher are disclosed. The packaging defining a chamber to receive the projectile and permit the visualization of the flight of the projectile after it is launched from the launcher. The launcher configured to impart a motive force to the projectile and to launch the projectile from the launcher. The launcher includes an actuator to permit a user to launch the projectile from the launcher and into the chamber while at least a portion of the launcher is secured within the packaging.