Ball launchers operate on fundamental principles of physics, primarily energy transfer and projectile motion. Let’s build one and have some fun
You will need a small screwdriver and two AA batteries.
1. Remove the wooden cut outs carefully. You can colour your ball launcher using paint or felt pens to make your own.
2. Construct the launcher structure with two
screws as shown in the image.
3. Continue to attach the next wooden piece with two screws.
4. Attach the wooden base with four screws to complete the launcher structure as shown in the image.
5. Assemble the metal brackets at the back of
the launcher frame with screws.
6. Attach the battery holder on the platform using two screws.
Connect the battery holder wires to the DC motor and slide the DC motor through the metal bracket. You can some hot glue to keep the wires in place.
7. Slide the metal rod through the metal brackets holes and insert the orange stopper to prevent the metal rod from coming off. Attach the wheels at the top of the metal rod
and the DC motor shaft.
Turn on the launcher and roll a foam ball through the
spinning wheels. The friction of the wheels will launch the
foam ball forward to it’s target.
Note:
You may apply some double sided tape on the bottom of the platform edges to avoid the launcher from vibrating.
8. Insert two AA batteries to the battery holder and slide the battery holder switch to activate the launcher.