Single-Motor Projectile Launcher with Elastomeric Flywheels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toy projectile launchers require multiple motors, increasing mass, cost, and complexity, while lacking efficient automatic and sequenced projectile-launching operations.
Innovation Solution
A single-motor-driven mechanism powers both projectile-propelling flywheels and a feeding mechanism using a gear-train or centrifugal clutch, enabling automatic and sequenced launching with elastomeric expanding flywheel structures for reduced mass and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple motors are used for flywheels and projectile feeder, then each component can be powered independently, but mechanism mass and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple motor functions into a single motor that powers both the flywheels and the projectile feeder through a shared power transmission system. This merging of functions reduces the total number of motors from three (two for flywheels, one for feeder) to one, thereby reducing mechanism mass and cost while maintaining independent control through mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor is designed to perform multiple functions: it can power the flywheels for projectile propulsion and also drive the projectile feeder mechanism. This multi-functionality allows one motor to replace what would traditionally require three separate motors, achieving weight reduction while maintaining operational capability.
2Reliability
If multiple motors are used for flywheels and projectile feeder, then each component can be powered independently, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply functions by using a single motor that can drive both the flywheel assembly and the projectile feeder. This consolidation reduces the number of separate motors from three to one, simplifying the overall device architecture and reducing complexity while maintaining the ability to independently control each function through mechanical transmission pathways.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for projectile launching, then control is simple, but rate of fire is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic sequencing where the single motor automatically coordinates the activation of the flywheels and the projectile feeder in the correct sequence. Once the user initiates the launching mechanism, the system self-manages the timing and coordination of multiple components, enabling higher rates of fire without requiring complex manual control for each individual component activation.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional flywheel structures are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but mechanism mass is higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs elastomeric expanding flywheels that change their physical parameters during operation. These flywheels expand radially when subjected to centrifugal force during rotation, providing the necessary propulsion force. The elastomeric material allows for lighter construction compared to traditional rigid flywheels while maintaining the necessary mechanical properties, thereby reducing overall mechanism mass.
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 reduces mechanism mass and cost, enables automatic and sequenced projectile launching, and improves play value by allowing higher rates of fire and longer dart-accelerating times with reduced mechanical and electrical loads.
Implementation Method 1
The flywheels may each include elastomeric expanding flywheel structure mechanisms such as an expanding elastomeric tire with a flywheel hub allowing the expanding elastomeric tire to move inward and outward at its circumference
Implementation Method 2
A second embodiment addresses this projectile-feeding mechanism limitation through the inclusion of a centrifugal clutch, which is located between the flywheel-drive system and the projectile-feed mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods of toy projectile storage, feeding and launch structures having feeding and launching functionality in a single motor combination with a carriage structure including a launch channel being supporting along with a magazine. A propelling mechanism is includes flywheels in communication with the launch channel for propelling projectiles from the magazine. A transmission gear assembly powered with the single motor to sequence and activate the feeding mechanism and the propelling mechanism for activation. Additionally stationary, mobile, dart and projectiles launcher or hand-held structures for propelling darts, balls or other projectiles. The flywheels include an elastomeric expanding flywheel structure mechanism with a flywheel hub and an expanding elastomeric tire allowing the expanding elastomeric tire to move inward and outward along a peripheral circumference.