Super Absorbent Polymer Projectile Launcher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foam-based projectiles used in toy launching devices are susceptible to air resistance, leading to rapid slowing and deviation in flight, making them less effective and less safe due to low density and high susceptibility to motion retarding forces.
Innovation Solution
A soft-projectile launching system that utilizes super absorbent polymer projectiles, which can maintain shape under modest pressure, reducing the likelihood of injury and improving flight distance and accuracy by using a holder and firing mechanism that minimizes contact with the barrel and employs air pressure or springs for propulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If foam-based projectiles are used, then the projectiles are soft and safe for indoor use, but they are highly susceptible to air resistance and rapidly slow down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the density parameter of the projectile material from low-density foam to high-density super absorbent polymer. This parameter change allows the projectile to maintain softness and safety while achieving sufficient mass to resist air resistance and maintain flight speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses super absorbent polymer as a composite material that combines the softness required for safety with the density required for aerodynamic performance. This composite material resolves the contradiction between being soft and being resistant to air forces.
2Weight of moving object
If foam-based projectiles are used, then the projectiles are light and easy to launch, but they easily curve off line due to drag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the weight parameter by using denser super absorbent polymer material. This increases the projectile's mass, which improves momentum and reduces the relative effect of drag forces, thereby stabilizing the flight trajectory and preventing curving off line.
3Speed
If super absorbent polymer projectiles are used, then flight distance and accuracy are improved, but the projectiles require holder and minimal barrel contact to maintain shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a holder as an intermediary component between the firing mechanism and the super absorbent polymer projectile. The holder protects the projectile from direct contact with the barrel, preventing deformation while still allowing effective energy transfer for long-distance flight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the launching system into distinct components: the firing mechanism, the holder, and the projectile. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the holder serving as a protective interface that maintains projectile shape during launch.
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 allows for safer and more effective launching of projectiles with reduced risk of injury, as the super absorbent polymer projectiles maintain shape and structure during flight, providing a softer impact and longer range without breaking apart.
Implementation Method 1
projectiles made from a super absorbent polymer
Implementation Method 2
employs air pressure or springs for propulsion
Implementation Method 3
employs air pressure or springs for propulsion
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.