Mechanical Engineer
PERSONAL PROJECT: PROTOTYPE NERF IMPACT GRENADE
This prototype is a 3-D printed mechanical device that launches darts in separate directions when it impacts the ground.
This project was inspired by the lack of "area-of-effect" toys in the Nerf hobby. Instead of launching darts using a spring-driven piston pushing a column of air behind the darts, this grenade features separate spring-driven pistons that directly launch each dart, similar to a miniature crossbow. Each piston is pushed down until it is locked by their respective trigger.
The central column is attached to bottom plate and can slide up and down relative to the main hub, unless its upward path is obstructed by the locked triggers. In the event of an impact, the central column punches past the triggers, releasing them and launching the darts.
This prototype features only 3 launch tubes pointed in separate directions at a 45 degree angle; this design can be improved by featuring more launch tubes, and a weighted bottom plate to ensure the device always lands facing up.
Update: the new design features 6 launch tubes, angled at 60 degrees (from the ground). The bottom plate now features a rubber popper toy to absorb shock, as well as to hold a number of washers to increase its weight. It now more reliably faces upwards when dropped. Future improvements are to include a longer body and fins.