Launching a Penny Accurately - Advice Needed

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter newtonsmac
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around designing a device to accurately launch a penny within a range of 0.0m to 10.0m. Participants explore various mechanisms for launching, including siege projectiles like catapults and trebuchets, as well as compressed air systems, while considering the use of common household materials and recyclables.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in creating a launcher using either a catapult or a trebuchet but is uncertain about the originality of these designs.
  • Another participant suggests starting with a simpler and cheaper option, such as a ramp with an adjustable spring.
  • A question is raised about how to accurately adjust the spring in the proposed ramp design.
  • A later reply proposes a method for adjusting the spring using a threaded rod and adjustment nut, suggesting that calibration would require trial runs and note-taking.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the best launching mechanism, with multiple competing views on potential designs and methods for achieving accuracy.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the feasibility of the proposed designs or the effectiveness of the suggested adjustment methods, leaving open questions about the practicality of each approach.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in DIY projects, physics enthusiasts, or those looking to experiment with launching mechanisms may find this discussion relevant.

newtonsmac
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Greetings fellow smart people.

I am looking into making a device that can accurately launch a penny 0.0m to 10.0m quite accurately. I do not know whether I should a siege projectile launcher such as a catapult or trebuchet or something using compressed air. I want to try to make this out of common household stuff and recyclables but I probably will have to buy a few things from a hardware store. I don’t want it to be dangerous and I am willing to spend a lot of time and patience on it.

I myself am interested in air, but then again I have no idea how to make one without using compressed CO2 or a bike pump. I want it to be made with a home made compressor.

Trebuchet and catapult are fairly simple but aren’t that original. If you guys know of any other mechanisms that can launch a penny accurately please let me know or tell me which one I should use.

Thanks a lot.
 
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Welcome to PF, Newtonsmac.
You might want to start with something simpler and cheaper, such as a ramp with an adjustable spring.
 
how would you adjust the spring accurately?
 
Just connect the front end (for an extension spring) or the rear end (for a compression spring) to a threaded rod which protrudes through the case. An adjustment nut can then be turned to move the rod in and out. Calibration would be by trial runs, with notes taken of the position required for a particular distance.
 

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