Ping-Pong Ball Launcher
Ping-Pong Ball Launcher
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This project was a part of a project design course in which I worked in a group to design a launcher capable of firing a ping-pong ball up to 20 feet. This project highlighted the entire design process from ideation to experimentation.
This project was a part of a project design course in which I worked in a group to design a launcher capable of firing a ping-pong ball up to 20 feet. This project highlighted the entire design process from ideation to experimentation.
Our team generated several ideas to complete the given task. We derived technical specification from the Voice of the Customer and used a Pugh Matrix to narrow down our ideas. After selecting a concept, we created Product Functional Decomposition (PFD) and Parameter diagrams and an initial economic analysis.
Our team generated several ideas to complete the given task. We derived technical specification from the Voice of the Customer and used a Pugh Matrix to narrow down our ideas. After selecting a concept, we created Product Functional Decomposition (PFD) and Parameter diagrams and an initial economic analysis.
PFD Diagram
P-Diagram
We came up with and modeled a preliminary design in SolidWorks that utilized a gearbox to achieve pitch control. After creating our first prototype via 3D printing, we decided to use a notched ring for pitch control instead, as we were not able to print a high enough quality worm gear for the original design.
We came up with and modeled a preliminary design in SolidWorks that utilized a gearbox to achieve pitch control. After creating our first prototype via 3D printing, we decided to use a notched ring for pitch control instead, as we were not able to print a high enough quality worm gear for the original design.
A Failure Mode Effect Analysis was conducted to identify possible risks and areas for improvement.
A Failure Mode Effect Analysis was conducted to identify possible risks and areas for improvement.
I also developed a mathematical model for our launcher. This was done using MATLAB to numerically solve the velocity and acceleration of the ping-pong ball in time steps of 0.001 second. This model incorporated the drag force due to air resistance, assuming a constant initial launch velocity.
I also developed a mathematical model for our launcher. This was done using MATLAB to numerically solve the velocity and acceleration of the ping-pong ball in time steps of 0.001 second. This model incorporated the drag force due to air resistance, assuming a constant initial launch velocity.
The total horizontal travel distance could then be determined for different launch angles.
The total horizontal travel distance could then be determined for different launch angles.
After assembling our 3D printed prototype, we conducted Design of Experiments with Full Factorial and Robust Design analyses. We chose 3 factors to analyze how they affect the horizontal launch distance: launch height (A), spring compression length (B), and pitch angle (C). The resultant main effect and interaction plots are shown below.
After assembling our 3D printed prototype, we conducted Design of Experiments with Full Factorial and Robust Design analyses. We chose 3 factors to analyze how they affect the horizontal launch distance: launch height (A), spring compression length (B), and pitch angle (C). The resultant main effect and interaction plots are shown below.
The main effect plot showed that launch height and compression length positively affected horizontal distance, while pitch angle negatively affected it (in the chosen pitch range). Additionally, compression length and pitch angle showed a strong interaction.
20250406_Launcher Test.mp4
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