Handheld Projectile Launcher Distance-Based Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for firing fluid projectiles, such as water guns and paintball guns, pose a risk of eye injuries due to the 'hydraulic needle effect' and high kinetic energy at short distances, particularly when used by children in playful settings.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held device with a drive and energy store that includes a control unit to regulate the exit speed of the projectile based on the measured distance between the device and the target, reducing kinetic energy at short distances to prevent injuries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the drive is operated at high power to achieve long range, then the shooting distance is improved, but the risk of injury at close range increases due to high kinetic energy
Solution Approach 1:
The drive power is made dynamically adjustable based on the measured distance to the target. The control unit continuously monitors distance and modifies the drive output accordingly, transitioning from static high-power operation to dynamic power regulation that adapts to real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
A distance measuring device provides feedback to the control unit, which then adjusts the drive power accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that the drive operates at appropriate power levels based on actual distance measurements, preventing excessive kinetic energy at close range while maintaining long-range capability.
Solution Approach 3:
The drive power parameter is changed based on distance measurements. The control unit modifies operational parameters such as voltage, current, or pump speed according to the measured distance, enabling the system to operate at high power for long distances and low power for short distances.
2Speed
If the exit velocity is increased to improve shooting distance, then the range is extended, but the kinetic energy at close range becomes dangerous causing eye injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The exit velocity is made dynamically controllable through the control unit, which adjusts the drive power based on real-time distance measurements. This prevents the drive from consistently operating at maximum velocity that would be dangerous at close range.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance measuring device provides continuous feedback to the control unit, which regulates the exit velocity according to the measured distance. This feedback mechanism ensures velocity reduction when the target is within the dangerous close-range zone.
Solution Approach 3:
The system takes preliminary action by measuring distance before the projectile is fired and pre-adjusting the drive power to appropriate levels. This prevents excessive velocity from being generated in the first place when the target is close, rather than attempting to reduce velocity after the fact.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a control unit with distance measurement is added to regulate exit velocity, then injury risk is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A control unit serves as an intermediary between the distance measuring device and the drive. This intermediary processes distance information and translates it into appropriate drive power commands, simplifying the overall control architecture while achieving the desired safety function.
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 solution effectively reduces the risk of eye injuries and other injuries by controlling the exit speed of the projectile, ensuring safe operation, especially at short distances, while maintaining high power at longer ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a distance measuring device for measuring a distance between the handheld device and the target body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6b
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus (100) for shooting a projectile at a target body, in particular a fluid projectile or solid projectile, which apparatus comprises a hand-held device (100) for shooting the projectile, wherein the hand-held device (100) comprises a drive (114) for accelerating the projectile and a distance-measuring device (112) for measuring a distance between the hand-held device (100) and the target body. The apparatus (100) also comprises a stored energy source (120) for operating the drive (114), wherein the drive (114) comprises a control unit (115), by means of which the drive (114) can be controlled in accordance with the measured distance.