STONY POINT HS -- ROUND ROCK ISD

Design Problem Projectile Launcher

Project 4.2.3 VEX and RobotC
Andrew L. Stephens
5/26/2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Design Brief ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 2
Brainstorming Ideas ............................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Decision Matrix......................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Pictures ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
RobotC Code .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Discussion Questions ............................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Reflections .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Recommendation Page.......................................................................................................................................................................... 9

DESIGN BRIEF
Client Company:

Hobby Spectacle, Inc

Target Consumer:

Society

Problem Statement:

A leading hobby company is looking to improve an existing

launcher design. The device must launch a projectile using
the materials provided. The device must be adjustable so
that projectile launches can be precise at varying distances.
The winning design will receive cash for a patent that can be
mass-produced as a kit and sold to the public. Members from
the company will be present during the launching phase of
the process.

Design Statement:

Improve an existing design, then build and test a

device that will launch a projectile varying
distances with precision and accuracy.

Constraints:

1. 1 Must be constructed using the materials

outlined by the instructor.
2. Must be adjustable to different angles
including: 10, 20, 30, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80
degrees.
3. Must have the same initial velocity at any
adjusted angle.
4. Must launch a projectile at least 15 ft.

BRAINSTORMING IDEAS

DECISION MATRIX

Decision Matrix Template

Criteria

deas

Range

Developm
ent Time.

Prgm
Diff

Practicalit
y

Size

#1

38

#2

33

rew#1

36

rew#2

37

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Worst
Best

Totals

PICTURES

ROBOTC CODE

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
[Answer the conclusion questions here. Use complete sentences with proper grammar and spelling.]

5. What was the most challenging aspect of this design problem?

The most challenging aspect was trying to get the correct spacing of the wheels and
the speed

6. What are some creative changes that you would make to the design solution if you
could start over?
Some form of bracket to hold down the loader gear.

REFLECTIONS
[

Unfortunately, me and my partner were unable to get a working design by the

deadline. We ran into many problems such as those I have previously mentioned in
the discussion questions. If we had known better, we would have had some sort of
material to block the metal of the structure from interfering with the light sensor.
This would have allowed us to be able to get accurate readings off of the balls so we
could sort them efficiently. Also it may have been a good idea to incorporate some
sort of teeter-totter as to separate the heaver balls from the lighter: unfortunately
we had neither the time nor the materials to implement these changes. We also had
issues with the RobotC program as it had errors that neither me nor my partner had
the knowledge to correct, for neither of us has had proper understanding of the
programing system we were using. We could do simple programs such as opening
and closing a gate or moving a track, but as the program got more complex we were
unable to make everything work correctly. We also had the problem of finding the
correct placement of all of the components, such as: Angle of the feeder, Placement
of the light sensor, positioning of the track, and size of the cups in order to fit on said
track.

RECOMMENDATION PAGE
I would recommend that students are sure to have a clear understanding of the mechanics of the
programing software and the components that are used.
I would recommend to future students that they keep the project simple. Not overly complicated for that
may cause problems later that they may not able to fix.