Cams and Springs

[NMastrud2022]

Hi! My team is considering using cams and springs as a part of the launching mechanism, but we're relatively new to using cams. Does anyone have any information or good references for cams, and what works and what doesn't? Thanks!

[Marc S.]

These (http://msc-ks3technology.wikispaces.com/file/view/CamShapes.png/32381893/CamShapes.png) are the basic type of cams. Combined with a spring (which could be surgical tubing, a pneumatic cylinder or even a normal coil spring) a kicking motion can be achieved. Just make sure you have good control of the position of the cam, so it doesn't fire too soon.

Another possible method is to use a gate-latch (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Galvanized-Gate-Latch-13557/203133716#) mechanism (or something similar) to hold the kicker back, and release it with a pneumatic cylinder (or open the latch). This way you don't have to worry about the mechanism firing to soon.

[roystur44]

Take a look at these images for some inspiration and ideas how to latch and cam.

https://www.google.com/search?q=pigeon+launcher&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=mATPUq-AF8XuoATR4oDoCg&sqi=2&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1920&bih=954