Spring-Driven Projectile Launcher With Guide-Rail Carriage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing launching devices lack a mechanism that effectively uses a spring-driven carriage to launch projectiles from a barrel.
Innovation Solution
A launching device with a barrel, driver, guide rail, carriage, and arms that compress a spring to propel a projectile, utilizing a catch and switch mechanism for discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a spring-driven carriage mechanism is introduced to launch projectiles, then the launching capability and power are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a barrel for projectile insertion, a carriage with guide rail for linear motion, a spring mechanism for energy storage, and a trigger system for control. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently manufactured and assembled, reducing overall complexity while maintaining high launching power.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage is designed to move dynamically along the guide rail during the launching sequence, transitioning from a loaded position to a fired position. The spring mechanism provides dynamic energy release, and the trigger system enables controlled activation. This dynamic design allows the system to achieve high power output while maintaining manageable complexity through motion-based operation.
2Ease of operation
If a catch and switch mechanism are added to control the discharge, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catch mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the carriage's position and the trigger's state. The switch mechanism automatically activates the spring discharge when the trigger is pulled, eliminating the need for manual intervention in the discharge process. This self-service design simplifies operation while maintaining precise control through automatic mechanical interlocking and activation.
3Productivity
If the carriage is made to slide along the barrel, then the productivity is improved, but the ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage and guide rail are designed as separate, modular components that can be manufactured independently using standard machining processes. The guide rail is a simple linear guide that can be machined as a separate part, and the carriage is a distinct assembly with mounting brackets. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the sliding mechanism's productivity benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire barrel movable or complex, the design inverts the approach by keeping the barrel stationary and making only the carriage movable along a simple guide rail. This inversion simplifies the manufacturing of the guide rail and carriage components while maintaining the ability to launch projectiles at high rates, as the stationary barrel provides a stable platform for rapid repeated operations.
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 controlled launch of projectiles by compressing a spring to propel them from the barrel, enhancing user control and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (56) positioned in the driver (46) and configured to be compressed by the rod (58) as the cylinder (50) is motivated along the barrel (12) from the open end (48) toward a butt end (60)
Data Source
AI summary
A projectile launching device for hunting and target shooting includes a barrel and a driver. A carriage is slidably engaged to a guide rail, with a lower end of the carriage extending through a slot positioned in a bottom of the barrel and extending along the guide rail. The driver is attached to the carriage and extends along the bottom of the barrel toward an open end of the barrel. A pair of first arms is pivotally attached to the barrel proximate to a butt end of the barrel. Each first arm is operationally engaged to the driver distal from the carriage and can be pivoted by user to pivot to charge the driver, which is locked by a catch. A switch attached to the barrel can be switched to discharge the driver to propel a projectile from the barrel.