Spring Hammer Ball Launcher with Adjustable Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved automatic ball launcher for pets that does not rely on rotating fly wheels or solenoids, and one that is portable, automatically actuated when a ball is sensed, allowing adjustment of launch distance and angle.
Innovation Solution
A ball launching apparatus with a housing, funnel, chute, and an electrical drive motor that uses a hammer mechanism, where a spring biasing force is generated to launch the ball through a chute, with adjustable tension and angle settings via external knobs, and a sensor to initiate the launch sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If fly wheel launchers are used to launch balls for dogs, then the ball can be launched, but the device requires continuous power and has high power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-loaded hammer mechanism that is periodically activated only when a ball is detected by a sensor. The spring is compressed during idle periods and releases energy only when needed, creating periodic rather than continuous action. This eliminates the need for continuous power consumption while maintaining reliable ball launching capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrically-powered fly wheel system with a mechanically-powered spring-loaded hammer system. The spring stores mechanical energy that is converted to kinetic energy during launch, substituting the electrical-mechanical conversion system with a purely mechanical energy storage and release system that requires no continuous power.
2Ease of operation
If solenoid or firing ram launchers are used, then remote control is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic ball detection and launch initiation through a sensor that detects when a ball is positioned in the launcher. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for remote control systems while simplifying the overall device complexity. The system serves itself by automatically initiating the launch sequence when conditions are appropriate.
3Device complexity
If manual ball launchers are used, then the device is simple, but the pet owner must handle and load the ball manually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sensor that automatically detects when a ball is placed in the launcher and initiates the launch sequence without human intervention. This self-service feature allows the ball to be loaded simply by placing it in the designated area, eliminating the need for manual handling and loading operations while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable launch distance and angle features are added, then the device versatility improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable parameters for launch distance and angle through simple mechanical adjustment mechanisms. By allowing users to modify these parameters, the system achieves versatility in different playing conditions without requiring complex control systems, maintaining a balance between adaptability and simplicity.
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
Enables efficient and adjustable automatic ball launching for pet exercise, allowing dogs to fetch and return the ball, providing entertainment and exercise while avoiding the need for continuous power and minimizing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a spring biasing force is generated to launch the ball through a chute
Implementation Method 2
an electrical drive motor that uses a hammer mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A ball launching apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a funnel residing at an upper end of a housing. The funnel includes a channel for gravitationally directing a ball into a launch point within an interior compartment of the housing. The apparatus includes a hammer that strikes a ball through a chute, thereby releasing the ball from the housing. Both the distance at which the ball travels and the angle at which the ball leaves the chute may be adjusted by the operator. A method of exercising a dog is also provided herein.