Toy Concept 2 - Windup Speedboat
Toy Concept 3 - Tabletop Roller Coaster
The basic underlying physical principal behind the Catapult Hammer lies in the spring loaded ball launcher. Players use the stored elastic potential energy in the spring to launch the ball at the hammer in the middle of the game board. The hammer is held up links on either side and it rotates about the base through a pin-in-slot joint. This way, it falls relatively easily when struck by the ball.
The Catapult Hammer is a two player game where players take turns launching a rubber ball (approximately 4 inches in diameter) at a hammer that is located in the center of the game piece. When struck by the ball, the hammer falls onto a stationary nail. When the hammer strikes the nail, a buzzer on the nail sounds off, allowing the players to know that they have successfully caused the hammer to hit the nail (see picture). Players take turns launching the ball at the hammer and the game is over once a player successfully causes the hammer to hit the nail 10 times. This game allows children to learn about elastic potential energy and how springs work. It also helps children develop some hand-eye coordination by causing them to alter how far they pull back on the launcher in order to successfully hit the hammer with the ball.
The construction costs should be relatively low as the the frame, nail, hammer and supports will be made of low cost plastic. The link that holds up the hammer will be made of metal, probably a steel alloy. The only other costs are the cost of the rubber ball and the springs on either side. Manufacturing costs will be slightly higher due to the large amount of small pieces involved in the design. Much of the production cost will be due to the price it takes to put these small pieces together. The overall production cost of the toy can be estimated at around $10 to $12.
The toy will be made of high durability plastic. However, the spring and the link mechanism holding up the hammer will be quite fragile, especially for younger kids who don't treat their toys with the most respect.
Safety could be an issue with the Catapult Hammer due to the small peices. Pieces like the spring and the link could be broken off and pose a health risk. Also the ball is 4 inches in diameter and could be inserted into the mouth, also posing a health risk. For this reason, this toy is recommended for ages 6 and up.
Sarat Mikkilineni
Department of Mechanical Engineering