Team 2262 Prototype Launcher
 

Something a bit different from what I've been seeing. The final version will let us change the angle.


Launcher

Re: Team 2262 Prototype Launcher
 

That is really interesting. When I saw this it was a "duh" moment because I really never thought of it. Good idea...good prototype.

Re: Team 2262 Prototype Launcher
 

My Team tried this in a smaller scale but it never made the cut. It looks like you found a way to make it usable and effective. Great job. :)

Re: Team 2262 Prototype Launcher
 

That was the idea that was barely edged out with our team. A "ballista", we were calling it. Nice work.

Re: Team 2262 Prototype Launcher
 

Different. I like it. Especially being able to change launch angle.

How do you plan to pull it back, hold it, and release it?

Re: Team 2262 Prototype Launcher
 

For pulling it back and releasing we'll be using a winch mechanism attached to the back of the cradle, with a clutch for releasing it. We're still playing with how to hold it but the Ri3d team had a cool idea using a ratcheting wrench on a hex shaft, which is a definite possibility.

Re: Team 2262 Prototype Launcher
 

AHHH! This is our idea too! Great to see someone else trying this concept out.

Re: Team 2262 Prototype Launcher
 

clever. not a common thought it seems

Re: Team 2262 Prototype Launcher
 

The ball flight looked fairly stable. At that range, it should be fairly repeatable.

Much further, and without some spin to help stabilize it, you may find you start throwing knuckle balls.