Variable Velocity Barrel Venting for Adjustable Projectile Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blasters that shoot projectiles, such as gel-based balls, can cause pain when they strike a person, particularly younger children, necessitating a way to vary the velocity of the projectiles.
Innovation Solution
A variable velocity barrel assembly with a slider member that can be manually adjusted to cover or expose openings in the barrel, controlling the venting of blast pressure and thereby adjusting the projectile velocity from 85 ft/sec to 250 ft/sec.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the blaster uses a fixed velocity barrel assembly, then the structure is simple, but the projectile velocity cannot be adjusted to minimize discomfort for younger children
Solution Approach 1:
The barrel assembly incorporates a movable slider member that can be dynamically positioned along the barrel axis to cover or expose vent openings, enabling real-time velocity adjustment without requiring multiple fixed barrel assemblies. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt projectile velocity from 85 ft/sec to 250 ft/sec based on user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of blast pressure venting by varying the exposure area of vent openings through slider member movement. By controlling the number and size of exposed vents, the system modifies the expansion of blast pressure behind the projectile, thereby adjusting exit velocity while maintaining a single unified barrel structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the blaster uses a variable velocity barrel assembly with slider member, then the velocity can be adjusted from 85 ft/sec to 250 ft/sec, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slider member serves multiple functions: it acts as a velocity control mechanism, a seal barrier, and a structural component of the barrel assembly. By integrating these functions into a single component, the invention achieves variable velocity capability (85-250 ft/sec) without proportionally increasing the number of separate parts, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Speed
If the slider member covers the first opening, then the velocity is maximized, but the blast pressure venting is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The slider member can be extracted or removed from the barrel assembly, or positioned to fully cover the first opening. When extracted or positioned to cover the opening, the system extracts the venting function, resulting in maximum blast pressure buildup and consequently maximum projectile velocity. This extraction approach allows complete control over pressure venting.
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 assembly allows users to select a desired projectile velocity, providing a range that minimizes discomfort while maintaining functionality, ensuring safe and enjoyable use.
Implementation Method 1
controlling the venting of blast pressure behind each projectile as it exits the chamber, to affect vacuum-formed drag behind each projectile
Implementation Method 2
affect vacuum-formed drag behind each projectile
Data Source
AI summary
A blaster for shooting projectiles that includes a housing that defines a housing interior, and a variable velocity barrel assembly positioned in the housing interior. The variable velocity barrel assembly includes a barrel that defines a barrel axis and a barrel interior. The barrel includes an exit opening at a distal end thereof. At least a first opening communicates the barrel interior with an exterior of the barrel. The first opening is defined through a side wall of the barrel. A slider member that includes a cylindrical portion that surrounds the barrel is movable axially along the barrel between a maximum velocity position where the cylindrical portion covers the first opening and a minimum velocity position where the slider member does not cover the first opening.