AUTOMATIC BALL THROWER

ET 494Instructor: Dr. KoutsougerasBy Scott DauzatAdvised by Dr. Ma

PURPOSE

Design and build a safe, portable ball launcher

Easy use for dog and operator Lightweight Inexpensive Launch a tennis ball automatically or

manually

METHODOLOGY

Motor - A 12 volt DC motor will be used create power for the launching arm.

Gear Box –A gearbox will be attached to the motor shaft to increase the torque and lower the rpm’s.

Lever – Mechanism attached to the output shaft of motor which will strike the ball.

Circuit – Consists of micro switches to engage and disengage power to the system. Relay to take the load. Switch for auto and manual. Wireless remote system.

DESIGN ADVANTAGES

• Portable and Lightweight • No Electricity Required • One person operation • Fun for your pets

DESIGN OBSTACLES

• Safety • Reliability • Minimizing Cost • Keeping weight to a minimum

MOTOR/GEARBOX

2004 Chevrolet Silverado power window motor

Small, Lightweight, High Torque

LEVER ASSEMBLY

Attached to the output shaft of the gearbox.

Spring attached to lever arm and system

Both turn at the same time Center of rotation Spring creates high velocity Lever strikes ball

LEVER ASSEMBLY

Spring Attachment

DOUBLE POLE SWITCH

The double pole switch used for the circuit diverts the current in the circuit which allows for automatic or manual operation.

MICRO SWITCH

The micro switch that activates the system will be wired in the normally open position.

The second micro switch that shuts the motor off will be wired in the normally closed position.

WIRELESS REMOTE

Allows the operator to press the button on the remote to activate the system.

The system will not activate unless there is a ball placed in the device.

COMPLETE CIRCUIT

BATTERY AND CHARGER

12 Volt 5 Amp

BUDGET

Motor - $33.46 Micro Switches - $6.00 Battery - $24.95 Wireless Remote Switch - $8.99 Lever - $3.96 Bolts - $5.87

Total - $83.23

TIMELINE/DELIVERABLES

September 3, 2013: Came up with Electronic Ball Thrower idea. September 10, 2013: Discussed the design of the thrower September 17, 2013: Discussed the components to be used October 3, 2013: Ordered discussed parts to be used October 4, 2013: Prepared preliminary proposal October 12, 2013: Constructed rough circuitry October 18, 2013: Designed and built lever assembly October 22, 2013: Proposal and presentation prepared October 25, 2013: Deliver presentation and proposal November 29, 2013: Have completed assembly built and tested December 6, 2013: Have final report and presentation complete

QUESTIONS

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