What Are Some Creative Ways to Launch a Marble with Precision and Consistency?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on designing a marble-launching device capable of accurately launching marbles within a 4 to 9-meter range with high consistency and reliability. Participants suggest various mechanisms, including a spring-loaded gun barrel, a mouse-trap powered catapult, and a double-sided ramp system. Emphasis is placed on the importance of rigidity for repeatability, with suggestions to avoid traditional catapult designs in favor of more innovative approaches. The discussion highlights the need for adjustable angle and power settings to enhance precision.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mechanical design principles
  • Knowledge of spring mechanics and energy storage
  • Familiarity with projectile motion and angles
  • Basic skills in building and prototyping devices
NEXT STEPS
  • Research designs for spring-loaded launchers and their mechanics
  • Explore the principles of double-sided ramp systems for launching
  • Investigate the use of centrifugal pumps in projectile launching
  • Learn about optimizing repeatability in mechanical devices
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, hobbyists, and educators interested in mechanical design, physics applications, and innovative project development will benefit from this discussion.

bijanv
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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" :-p 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.

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


Thanks in advance :biggrin:
 
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You're probably going to 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:
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
NateTG could you explain the double sided ramp a bit more?

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

thanks for the responses!
 
anyother ideas?
 

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