Design & Build a Bean Bag Launcher Mechanically

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on designing a mechanical bean bag launcher that must propel projectiles without the use of compressed gases, wires, or electric motors. The launcher must be positioned 6.0 meters away from a coffee tin mounted 1.0 meter high, requiring a minimum distance of 1.0 meter before launching. Participants suggest using elastics for propulsion and mechanical systems like camshafts or crankshafts to trigger the launch mechanism. A string mechanism wrapped around the axle is proposed as a simple solution for firing the bean bags consistently.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mechanical linkages and their applications
  • Knowledge of basic physics principles related to projectile motion
  • Familiarity with mechanical components such as camshafts and crankshafts
  • Experience with elastic potential energy and its conversion to kinetic energy
NEXT STEPS
  • Research mechanical linkage systems for triggering mechanisms
  • Explore the design and function of camshafts in mechanical systems
  • Investigate the principles of projectile motion to optimize launch angles
  • Learn about elastic energy storage and release in mechanical devices
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, hobbyists, and students interested in mechanical design, physics enthusiasts, and anyone looking to create a functional bean bag launcher using purely mechanical methods.

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ok, so here it is:
"You are to design and construct a bean bag launcher, which will launch a bag filled with dried beans, rice etc. Beanbag launchers will launch their projectiles through the ait in an attemp to have them land in a large coffee tin. The coffee tin will be mounted at the top of a 1.0 m long 2x4 with the open end pointing upwards. Launchers must starts 6.0 m away from the coffe tin and are required to move a minimum distance of 1.0 m before they launch their projectiles.

the trick is that I'm not allowed to use compressed gases or wires or electric motors or anything. the method for first propelling the object and second launching a bean bag from that object must be mechanical. I've been thinking something about elastics to move the wheels to start the thing ... and some sort of trebuchet catapult type thing to launch it ... but i can't figure out exactly how one would trigger the other and exactly a good way of making it all happen.

anyway, that's where i need help. any good ideas would be appreciated. I'm not asking you guys to put lots of effort into replying; just if you have any ideas off the top of your head to get me started i'd really like that.

thanks! :smile:
 
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Sounds like a good challenge.

To activate some simple mechanical linkage would easily do the trick. A camshaft/eccentric part of a shaft could fire, maybe a crankshaft too. Both could be on a jackshaft turning at a slower RPM than the wheel axle.

But a string wrapped around the axle that pulled the firing pin once it wound tight would be super simple once you could get it consistent!

Cliff
 

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