Build a Ping Pong Ball Cannon with Limited Materials

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on constructing a ping pong ball cannon using limited materials such as two rubber bands, popsicle sticks, toothpicks, string, tape, glue, straws, and cardboard. The design must incorporate a trigger mechanism that can be activated with a single finger, avoiding the simple method of pulling back a rubber band and releasing it. Participants suggest utilizing a crossbow-style trigger latch to effectively release the stored energy from the rubber bands.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic mechanics and energy storage
  • Familiarity with simple trigger mechanisms
  • Knowledge of materials and their properties (e.g., elasticity of rubber bands)
  • Basic crafting skills with household materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research crossbow trigger mechanisms for inspiration
  • Explore designs for rubber band-powered launchers
  • Learn about energy transfer in mechanical systems
  • Investigate safety measures for launching projectiles
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for hobbyists, educators, and students interested in physics, engineering projects, or DIY crafts involving simple machines and mechanics.

ib2loud
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What's the best way to build a cannon to shoot an object the size of a ping pong ball when I have these limited materials. I'm really stuck on the best way to make it. Also, it has to have a trigger that is set off by one finger only, and it can't be that you just pull a rubber band back and let go.

Max 2 rubber bands
Popsicle sticks
Toothpicks
String
Tape & Glue
Straws
Cardboard
 
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Presumably you have to use the rubber bands to provide the energy.
Can you just pull back the bands onto some sort of trigger and then pull the trigger to release them - look up early crossbows in wiki, just about all possible simple trigger latches have been tried.
 

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