Torsion Spring Catapult

[bEdhEd]

We're considering using a torsion spring as a way to store energy for launching the ball with a catapult. I was wondering if other teams have tried this, what their results were, and the specs of the spring they used.

[DjScribbles]

I did a lot of looking into torsion springs and felt that the largest springs supplied by McMaster wouldn't produce enough torque in a narrow enough package to be effective.

One of our other mentors welded the ends of a compression spring inside two steel tubes to get a make-shift torsion spring. It had a lot of force, and was able to throw the ball fairly well and could have been torqued more (we over-torqued it and broke the welds though). However, one thing I saw as a potential issue is that these springs did not seem to 'snap' forward quickly; whether this was due to the type of spring, or simply because we were underpowered, I do not know.

Torsion power seems very attractive this year though, as you can pack a lot of power into a small package; but getting the necessary torque without any mechanical advantage will be challenging.

[Mike Schreiber]

Look into garage door springs, they're heavy, but they should be able to pack enough punch.

[Nick Lawrence]

Have used torsion springs in the past. A modified automotive timing belt tensioner works great for this!

-Nick

[Animal Control]

if any of you has a out line can you send it to me.