Marble Launching Project Help

[bijanv]

Hey everyone, I am in need of a little brainstorming help for a project

Basically we have to design and build a marble-launching device that will accurately launch a marble within a 4 - 9 m range. This project is all about consistency and reliability so we have to be able to hit the same spot over and over and over again. :bugeye:

Now, I'm brainstorming for some ideas of ways to launch the marble and I'd like to see if you guys have something interesting in mind.

From what I can think of, the most precise way to shoot the marble would be to "shoot" :tongue2: it instead of launching. I don't think launching will have great accuracy as you can see with examples of catapults and trebuchets.

Also the launcher must have different angle settings and power settings. :surprised

Any ideas are greatly appreaciated! Anything 'out-of-the-box' :yuck: is even better!


Thanks in advance :biggrin:

[jmcgraw]

You're probably gonna want to make a gun type barrel that shoots the marble out with a spring. You would design it so that you "cock" the spring by shoving a stick down the barrel.

Just do a google search for marble launcher and you'll be well on your way! :wink:

[bijanv]

yeah google didnt help too much. its the same design over and over which is okay but i'd like make something unique but nothings coming to my mind.

[lightgrav]

how about a "centrifugal pump" made out of 2 CD's with a track between them?

how about a mouse-trap powered catapult ... optimized for repeatability?

how about a marble on 2 rails pushed slingshot-style ... by a metal spring.

[NateTG]

Repeatability is all about rigidity. That's why artillery pieces involve so much concrete and metal.

That said, I would be inclined to go with some sort of double-sided ramp set up, rather than a launcher involving springs since you'll be able to set things up using height.

[bijanv]

NateTG could you explain the double sided ramp a bit more?

lightgrav, im not sure what you mean by your idea of a centrifugal pump but it sounds interesting!

thanks for the responses!

[bijanv]

anyother ideas?