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Overview
I designed and built a pneumatic water balloon launcher toy, taking it from first-principles sizing through CAD, analysis, and physical testing. The pressure tank and barrel length were sized using Boyle’s Law and conservation of energy to achieve launch distances exceeding 200 metres while maintaining safe operating pressures.
Design, Analysis, and Testing
The full assembly was modelled in Fusion 360 and designed for simple, safe operation. A Schrader valve was integrated to allow pressurization using a standard bike pump. To reduce balloon rupture, I designed and 3D printed a compliant launch cup that distributes contact load more evenly. A static FEA was performed on the cup to verify stress distribution and material deflection under loading. The complete launcher was prototyped and tested successfully. Testing confirmed reliable performance, reduced balloon failure during launch, and intuitive, kid-friendly operation.
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