Deciding on the Best Launcher!

When designing a device to launch balls through the air, it is essential to start off by designing the right system. But with so many launchers on the market, how can you decide on the best system to build?

Creating the Criteria

To help decide which launcher would be best, let's start by coming up with the criteria for our system!

1. Speed Modularity: how well can the system control/regulate the speed of the ball it throws?

2. Firing Rate: how fast can this design output balls?

3. Trajectory Variation: how well can the launcher control the trajectory of the ball?

4. Maintenance: how long can the launcher run for without needing repairs?

5. Noise: how quiet can we get the system?

All of these criteria are essential for designing a fun but flexible game room that people can enjoy whenever! With these criteria, we can now compare our options.

The Options:

The options and explanations are listed below in table format for your reading pleasure.

Comparing the Systems

Looking at the systems and the criteria, we can now determine what launcher is best. Ultimately, we at FYDP group 49 decided to design a direct-drive flywheel design due to its lower noise level, lower mechanical complexity, and high control of ball speed and trajectory!