GB2584874A

GB2584874A - Automatic particle launcher capable of launching individual or multiple particles, of varying size & shape. Frequency, distance and trajectory is variable

Info

Publication number: GB2584874A
Application number: GB1908743.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: P Wood Daniel; Cooke Michael
Original assignee: Daniel Philip Wood; Kohaku Ltd
Current assignee: Daniel Philip Wood; Kohaku Ltd
Priority date: 2019-06-18
Filing date: 2019-06-18
Publication date: 2020-12-23
Also published as: GB201908743D0

Abstract

An automatic particle launcher comprises a hopper 1, a motor 2, a battery or mains power 3 and an electronic control system 4. A firing mechanism 10 is connected to plate 6 via a shaft 14. A hole 9 in the plate matches with a hole in the body 16. A second plate 7 has two rails (15, fig 4) which allows the firing mechanism to move backwards and forwards; a protrusion 8 on the plate contacts with the firing mechanism to activate the timer. Particles collect in the hole 9 and fall through into the firing mechanism 10. The launch distance may be controlled by increasing or decreasing tension in the elastic tubing or spring or by increasing the pressure of the compressed gas. The trajectory may be altered by adjusting legs 5. A lid not shown is provided. Multiple hoppers may be used to fire particles of different sizes.

Description

Automatic Particle Launcher 1. Title. This invention relates to an automatic particle launcher with end-user control of launch time interval; distance; trajectory; and arc of fire. Using elastic potential energy to project particles.

2. Introduction. The projection of particles is required in many scenarios. From launching individual particles (such as tennis ball launchers), to launching multiple particles (such as seed scattering), most existing 'launch' products are designed to project a specific type of particle e.g. a tennis ball launcher is not designed to scatter seeds and vice versa. This invention provides an alternative mechanism, designed to function with a variety of particle sizes, shapes and combinations in one single product.

3. Definitions. The following definitions are used throughout this specification: a. Invention. Used when referring to the invention as an entire entity.

b. Particle(s). A loose object (or objects) which are required to be launched from the invention e.g. pellets, balls, bearings, seeds etc. c. Launch(ed). The act of projecting a particle(s) from one point to another, separated by physical distance.

d. Hopper. The invention's storage area for particles.

e. Hopper mechanism. The mechanism by which particle(s) are extracted from the hopper, to the firing mechanism, for subsequent launch.

f. Firing mechanism. The mechanism by which particle(s) extracted from the hopper are physically launched.

g. Blocking. Congested particles which are unable to pass through the hopper mechanism and thus are unable to be launched.

4. Summary. Existing launch products are typically designed to launch a specific type of particle(s) to maximise the efficiency of both the hopper and firing mechanisms, as well as the particle's in-flight aerodynamics e.g. a tennis ball launcher is designed to replicate a human opponent's return shots with repeat precision -seeking to replicate the pace, spin and trajectory of a tennis ball in flight. Existing particle launch products are prone to blockage, particularly inside the hopper, but also within both the hopper and firing mechanisms. It follows therefore that these designs do not provide the reliability and functionality required of a stand-alone product. This invention has been designed to allow the end-user to add a combination of particles, of varying size and shape, into a single hopper for the purpose of launching a controlled volume of said particles, into a chosen area. The user can also dictate how frequently the particles are launched, as well as varying the launch distance, trajectory and arc of fire. The mechanism is simple, reliable and easy to maintain. This invention has particular utility in the fields of animal feeding, such as; fish, poultry, pet and livestock (for sport, game, domestic, agricultural and commercial purposes); as well seed scattering and agricultural nutrition (list not exhaustive).

This invention utilises horizontal plates with at least two hopper mechanisms, transferring particles from a hopper into one single firing mechanism.

This invention maximises space and the effect of gravity on particles, in order to prevent 'bridging' of particles and other primary causes of blockage. It includes a sealed hopper to prevent unwanted internal moisture and water ingress, which increases friction between particles inside the hopper and thus the likelihood of particle blocking.

This invention utilises elastic potential energy to launch the particles in the form of elastic tubing, springs, or when applicable, compressed gas.

5. Features. The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: a. Main body [Figure 1]. Details the external structure of the invention which includes the hopper, electronics housing, power source housing and trajectory/arc control.

b. Horizontal plates [Figure 2]. Details the geared plate system, including integration with hopper and firing mechanisms, as well as the electronic system including the motor.

c. Hopper mechanism [Figure 3]. Details the anti-block mechanism designed to accommodate a variety of particles and transfer said particles from the hopper to the firing mechanism for subsequent launch.

d. Firing mechanism [Figure 4]. Details the firing mechanism and options for the elastic potential energy source.

e. Invention external [Figure 5]. Depicts the basic shape of the main body of the invention with elevated legs for trajectory control.

6. User Example Use. Main body lid is lifted and the desired particle combination is added to the hopper, the lid is re-sealed. The user turns on the invention and selects the desired launch frequency. The range of frequencies available is determined by the timing chip used in the electronic system -there are no constraints on the range and combination of frequencies, which are typically measured by number of seconds delay between each launch. The user sets the elastic tension to achieve the desired launch distance (elastic tubing has been used in this example). The user sets the height of the extendable legs and aligns the invention to achieve the correct trajectory and arc of fire respectively. The user initiates the launching process and makes any required adjustments to the aforementioned settings. If content, the user leaves the invention to launch the desired particles for a duration of their choosing, or until the hopper is empty. The invention does not require user supervision.

7. Detailed Description.

a. Main body [Figure 1]. The main body [16] (highlighted in grey throughout) is the most important component of the invention. It provides the overall protective outer shell of the invention, as well as the structure and stability to support both the hopper [1] and firing mechanism [10]. It provides a seal for the following aspects (against unwanted moisture and water ingress): i. The hopper [1].

ii. The motor [2].

iii. The battery and/or mains power source [3].

iv. The electronic control system, including timing trigger [4].

The main body [16] also provides the structure for the end-user to control launch distance (by increasing or decreasing tension, or gas capacity, with the chosen energy source [see Figure 4]); trajectory [5] (by manually raising or lowering the front end of the product using an extendable leg system); and arc (by correctly aligning the direction of launch).

The motor [2] provides the electronic kinetic energy to the invention. Typically, a DC motor is used and is controlled on/off by a physical switch, triggered as [7] rotates. The motor is fitted with a robust gear, with teeth matching those depicted at [7]. The mechanism is designed for one-way rotation only -stepper, or two-way motors, are not required.

b. Horizontal plates [Figure 2]. The horizontal plates sit at the base of the hopper space [1] and are the means by which the particles are kept moving and thus prevented from blocking. The horizontal plates support at least two hopper mechanisms [9], however for the purpose of simplifying the drawings, only one hopper mechanism has been depicted. The horizontal plate also triggers the firing mechanism [10] and timing mechanism (as described below). It is the component which synchronises the hopper and firing mechanisms [9,10], as well as the electronic system [2,3,4]. The horizontal plate also functions as the main seal to prevent unwanted moisture and water ingress into the hopper from the underside. A lid (not depicted) will prevent unwanted moisture and water ingress from the top of the invention.

As [6] and [7] simultaneously rotate (driven by the motor [2]), [6] collects particles which fall into the circular hole [9] (only one hopper mechanism depicted in these drawings for simplicity). At one point in the cycle, [9] aligns with a similar hole in the main body [16], which releases the pre-collected particles into the firing mechanism [10], falling through a similar hole in [7]. An anti-block system [11] functions during this phase (depicted in Figure 3). As the cycle progresses, [8] connects with [14] and initiates the firing mechanism [10]. Post launch, the cycle continues until the timing trigger is tripped, controlled by [4]. At this point, the user-defined time delay commences. The cycle repeats itself once the time delay has finished. The cycle will continue until the user turns off the invention (typically when the hopper [1] is empty).

Where two or more hopper mechanisms are included in [6], it is possible to include a vertical divider on [6], in order to launch multiple combinations of particle(s) inside the same hopper [1].

c. Hopper mechanism [Figure 3]. Located inside [9], is component [11]. A shafted gear which rotates internally within [6] as [6] rotates inside the main body [16]. Rotation of [11] occurs only over the release hole in the main body [16] to disrupt blocked particles collected in [9], prior to releasing said particles into the firing mechanism [10]. The controlled rotation is depicted by the reduced section of teeth located in the main body [16], shown in Figure 3 (shaded grey). The shaft in [11] must not exceed 50% of the circumference of [9] to successfully disrupt blocked particles. An additional feature to avoid particle bridging is to slope the walls of [9] into a conical shape -Figure 3 depicts this design variation.

d. Firing mechanism [Figure 4]. The firing mechanism depicted in Figure 4 shows a catapult style head [10] running on two metal rails on either side [15]. These rails ensure that movement of [10] is restricted to two directions, namely forward and back. A metal pin [14], connected through [10], is the component which connects with [8] as [7] rotates (described in figure 2). The two metal rails [15] are fixed into the main body [16] (shaded grey) and do not move. In this configuration, [10] is able to slide forward and back along the two metal rails.

Particles 'fall' into [10] via the mechanism described in figures 3 & 4. In order to ensure that the particles are 'caught' by [10], [10] must naturally rest underneath the hole [9]. This can be achieved in numerous ways; however, the preferred method is to physically touch the dampening pads [12], located on each metal rail, to [10]. These dampening pads also act as sound and shock absorbers to reduce the invention's noise pollution when firing, as well as reducing stresses exerted on the main body [16] when firing. Dampening materials can include rubber, silicone or foam bungs, and springs (list not exhaustive).

During the cycle, after particles have fallen into [10], [10] is forced backwards by [8], via [14], until [14] no longer connects with [8]. An elastic potential energy source is required to force [10] back to its resting position (under [9]), launching the loaded particles through a hole [13] in the main body [16]. [13] is depicted in figure 4A. There are several options of providing this elastic potential energy: i. Elastic tubing. Connected through [10] and anchored onto the main body [16], with resting force pulling [10] into [12]. Increasing tension within the elastic tubing increases the force at which [10] is released by [8] and thus the distance of particle launch.

ii. Spring. Connected at the rear of [10] and mounted onto the main body [16], the spring pushes [10] towards [12]. Increasing tension within the spring increases the force at which [10] is released by [8] and thus the distance of particle launch.

ii. Compressed gas. Connected at the rear of [10] and mounted onto the main body [16], a controlled release of gas onto [10] once it reaches its rearward position, pushes [10] towards [12]. Increasing the volume of gas released per launch increases the force at which [10] is released by [8] and thus the distance of particle launch.

iv. Combination. It is possible to combine any of the above options to create the source of elastic potential energy, for example: elastic tubing and springs can be used to power one firing mechanism.

The design of [10] can include a rounded catapult style head (as depicted in figure 48), which causes a greater spread of particles when launched, or alternatively, a flat catapult style head, which creates a tighter grouping of particles when launched. This variation in firing pattern is caused by particle interactions during launch (similar to a shotgun pellet spread or scatter effect).

e. Invention external [Figure 5]. The main body [16] depicted in figures SA, SB and SC show aspects left, front and right respectively. This is a basic example of what the invention could look like from the outside. The hopper [1] location is depicted by the dotted line. The drawings depict the extendable leg system [5] in a partially raised position, effecting the trajectory of particles as they are launched out of [13] by [10]. If [5] are further raised, the trajectory of launch is increased and vice versa. The main body [16] should be manufactured out of a hard material, as it provides the protection and structural support to the hopper [1], horizontal plates [6,7], hopper mechanism [11], firing mechanism [10], motor [2], battery/power source [3], and the electronic control system [4]. The main body [16] should also include a lid, which provides a water tight seal over the top of the invention, protecting the contents of [16] from unwanted moisture or water ingress.

Claims

Claims Automatic Particle Launcher 1. An automatic particle launcher, capable of launching single or multiple particles, of varying size and shape, at variable user-defined time intervals, distances, trajectories and arcs; using elastic potential energy to project said particles.
2. An automatic particle launcher according to claim 1, in which the invention is either battery, solar, mains electric powered, or a combination of power sources.
3. An automatic particle launcher according to claim 1, in which a mass of particles of varying size and shape are added to a hopper, and specified volumes of said particles are fed through a mechanism, extracted out of the hopper and subsequently launched from the invention.
4. An automatic particle launcher according to claim 1, in which the hopper mechanism contains anti-blockage mechanisms, capable of preventing and dislodging blocked particles, prior to being launched.
5. An automatic particle launcher according to claim 1, in which the invention is sealed from unwanted moisture and water ingress.
6. An automatic particle launcher according to claim 1, in which there are multiple hopper mechanisms, each capable of extracting particles from the hopper for subsequent launch.
7. An automatic particle launcher according to claim 1, in which a divider can be added to split the hopper into segments, with each segment being capable of housing different particle combinations.
8. An automatic particle launcher according to claim 1, in which the firing mechanism is powered by elastic tubing.
9. An automatic particle launcher according to claim 1, in which the firing mechanism is powered by springs.
10. An automatic particle launcher according to claim 1, in which the firing mechanism is powered by compressed gas.
11. An automatic particle launcher according to claim 1, in which the firing mechanism is powered by a combination of claims 8, 9 and 10.
12. An automatic particle launcher according to claims 8,9, 10 and 11, in which a catapult style head is used to launch the specified volume of particles.
13. An automatic particle launcher according to claim 12, in which the catapult style head is mounted on fixed rails, restricting its movement to two directions.
14. An automatic particle launcher according to claim 12, in which the catapult head design variations determine the spread and scatter of particles in-flight, once launched.
15. An automatic particle launcher according to claim 1, in which the user is not required to tend to or supervise the product once initially set up.
16. An automatic particle launcher according to claim 1, in which the mechanisms are driven by a motor.
17. An automatic particle launcher according to claim 1, in which the user can easily adjust the distance that the particles are launched.
18. An automatic particle launcher according to claim 1, in which the user can easily adjust the time intervals that the particles are launched.
19. An automatic particle launcher according to claim 1, in which the user can easily adjust the trajectory that the particles are launched.
20. An automatic particle launcher according to claim 1, in which the user can easily adjust the arc and direction that the particles are launched.