Super Absorbent Polymer Projectile Launching Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foam-based projectile toys, like NERF products, suffer from low density, leading to rapid slowing and curving in flight due to air resistance, making them less effective and less safe for children's use in projectile launching devices.
Innovation Solution
A soft-projectile launching system utilizing super absorbent polymer projectiles, which can maintain shape under modest pressure, allowing for reasonable force and velocity without breaking, and can be tailored for specific safety and performance characteristics through varying cross-link densities, using a holder and firing mechanism that minimizes contact with the barrel and utilizes air pressure or springs for propulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If foam-based projectiles are used, then softness and lightness are achieved, but air resistance and drag increase causing rapid slowing and curving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional foam to superabsorbent polymer, fundamentally altering the density and mass characteristics of the projectile. This parameter change allows the projectile to maintain higher mass (reducing air resistance effects) while preserving the soft safety characteristics needed for toy applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs superabsorbent polymer as a composite material that combines the beneficial properties of softness and safety with increased mass and density. This composite material resolves the contradiction by providing both the lightness needed for safety and the mass needed to overcome air resistance
2Object-affected harmful factors
If foam-based projectiles are used, then softness for safety is achieved, but momentum decreases leading to increased effect of air resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameter to superabsorbent polymer, which allows tuning of the density and mass parameters. This enables achieving sufficient momentum for effective projectile motion while maintaining the soft characteristics that minimize injury risk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the principle of local quality by ensuring the projectile surface and structure provide softness for safety while the overall mass and density provide sufficient momentum. The superabsorbent polymer material allows different regions or aspects of the projectile to have optimized properties for their specific functions
3Stability of the object's composition
If super absorbent polymer projectiles are used, then shape maintenance under pressure is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the parameter change capability of superabsorbent polymer materials, specifically their response to cross-link density variations. By adjusting this parameter, the projectile achieves optimal shape stability under pressure while the launching device can be kept relatively simple through the use of basic propulsion mechanisms
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 provides a safer and more effective alternative by ensuring projectiles maintain their shape and travel farther with less risk of injury, while being adaptable for different safety requirements and performance needs.
Implementation Method 1
projectiles made from super absorbent polymers
Data Source
AI summary
A device for projecting a soft-projectile made from a super absorbent polymer, the device comprising a holder designed for containing the soft-projectile made from a super absorbent polymer; and a firing mechanism operatively arranged to accelerate the holder from a firing position.