Projectile Launcher Lever Mechanism for Younger Users
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projectile launching systems are difficult for younger users to operate due to the requirement of hand-strength and body weight, limiting their ability to efficiently launch projectiles.
Innovation Solution
A launching device with a support structure and elastic members that utilize a combination of user strength and weight to launch projectiles, featuring a handle grip and arms that align forces to minimize twisting and enhance usability, allowing for efficient energy transfer and projectile propulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional projectile launching systems are used, then hand-strength and body weight are required to launch projectiles, but this makes the system difficult for younger users to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical system requiring direct hand-strength with a lever-based mechanical advantage system. The fulcrum and lever arm configuration transforms the user's limited hand force into sufficient launching force, substituting the need for raw strength with a mechanical force multiplication system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the user's body weight as a counterweight element in the lever system. By positioning the fulcrum to create mechanical advantage, the user's weight contributes to the force balance, allowing younger users with less hand-strength to operate the device effectively.
2Use of energy by moving object
If elastic members are used to store kinetic energy, then energy storage and release is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the elastic energy storage function with the existing lever and fulcrum structure. The elastic members are integrated into the lever arm configuration, combining the energy storage mechanism with the force multiplication system rather than adding separate complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the elastic members (such as elasticity coefficient, length, and configuration) to optimize energy storage while maintaining simplicity. By carefully selecting elastic member parameters, the system achieves effective kinetic energy storage without requiring complex mechanical structures.
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 device enables younger users to effectively launch projectiles by leveraging their strength and weight, providing a user-friendly mechanism for kinetic energy storage and release, ensuring efficient and controlled projectile launch.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member extending between opposing first elastic member ends. The first elastic member ends are coupled to the support with the first elastic member ends spaced from each other
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, assemblies and methods are described for launching a projectile. A launching device includes a support extending along a first plane and having an outward surface and an inward surface spaced from the outward surface, the inward surface defining a space. The launching device further includes first and second elastic members extending between opposing first and second elastic member ends, respectively. The first and second elastic member ends are coupled to the support with the first elastic member ends spaced from each other and the second elastic member ends spaced from each other. The launching device further includes a handle grip coupled to the support and extending along a second plane perpendicular to the first plane.