catapult clash
an adjustable tabletop catapult with a ratchet-and-pawl launcher and belt-driven carriage.
- This project focused on developing an adjustable tabletop catapult, progressing from early concepts to a fully integrated design through modelling, fabrication, and testing in a five-member team.
- The design features an SLA-printed ratchet-and-pawl cranking mechanism attached to a fishing line to control launch force, plus a belt-driven carriage system that slides to control the launch point.
- I led the group through multiple stages, including SolidWorks CAD, production of the belt-driven carriage system, and development of a formal 23-page engineering report covering specifications, problem definitions, testing results, and final performance analysis.
- The belt-driven carriage system developed under my guidance doubled the system's original launch distance while proving much more consistent.
- The catapult was built collaboratively using machining, laser cutting, and both FDM and SLA 3D printing.
