Advice on my Tennis Ball Launcher...That Shoots 90 Meters
It can't rely on anything explosive, combustion, or electricity (anything dangerous) and has to be fired from a distance of 2 meters.
2 parts: Distance- It has to shoot 90 or more meters
Accuracy- shoot the tennis ball into a pie pan 10 meters away
I could use any design but don't know what design is best suited for this project. I was planning on building a triangular type base, firing the ball at a 45 degree angle and using some type of crossbow effect to shoot it. Some materials I have in mind so far are PVC and wood; I am open to any material that is easy for a beginner to work with, but I don't know what to shoot the tennis ball with if I do a crossbow effect. Some other designs that are reccomended are catapults and trebuchets. Again, I am open to any design that is easy for a beginner to build. The base can't be bigger than .5 meters by .5m. Max height is 2 meters.
Any suggestions would help-including videos, images, instructions, notes, references, etc. I am a Junior at high school with no experience in constructing these types of mechanisms, so I want to build something quite simple and suitable for me. Thanks.
Building a tennis ball launcher that shoots a distance of 90 meters while maintaining accuracy can be a fun and challenging project. Here are some suggestions on how you can approach this task:
1. Design considerations:
- Since you want to shoot the tennis ball at a 45-degree angle, you should consider a design that provides a consistent and predictable launch angle.
- To ensure accuracy, you can incorporate a target mechanism or adjust the launch mechanism to control the launch force.
2. Materials:
- PVC pipes can be a good choice for constructing the launcher due to their affordability and ease of use.
- For the launching mechanism, you can consider using elastic potential energy, such as a bungee cord or rubber bands, to generate the force needed to propel the tennis ball.
3. Launch mechanism:
- To achieve the desired range, you can experiment with different types of launch mechanisms, such as a slingshot, trebuchet, or catapult design.
- For a beginner-friendly approach, a slingshot-type mechanism might be easier to construct and control. You can attach the elastic material to the base and pull it back to tension it before releasing the tennis ball.
4. Base and height limitations:
- You can use a triangular base design to provide stability and support for the launcher.
- Ensure that the base dimensions are within the specified limits (0.5m x 0.5m) to meet your requirements.
- Consider the weight and balance of the materials used to prevent the launcher from tipping over.
5. Building resources:
- YouTube is a great platform for finding instructional videos on building various types of launchers.
- Websites like Instructables (www.instructables.com) provide step-by-step instructions, images, and diagrams for a wide range of DIY projects.
Remember, safety is paramount when building any project. Always wear protective gear, follow proper guidelines, and take necessary precautions to prevent injuries. It's also a good idea to consult with a teacher or mentor who has experience in similar projects to guide you throughout the process. Good luck with your tennis ball launcher project!