Beer Pong Launcher
This project was part of my machine design class, where we were challenged to design and fabricate a ping pong ball launcher. The launcher needed to accurately and consistently fire ping pong balls into cups from a specified distance. In addition to the design and fabrication process, we conducted stress and fatigue analyses on the launcher’s components to ensure reliability and durability.
My team's launcher featured a spring-and-plunger mechanism to propel the ping pong balls. A gear-driven camshaft on the exterior compressed the spring by a predetermined amount, ensuring consistent launching force with every shot. The launcher's angle could be adjusted to target cups in each of the four rows, while a horizontally translating base allowed it to reach cups in all seven column positions.
The video on the right showcases our team testing the project in preparation for the competition.