Paper Airplane Launcher

The aim of this project was to create a semi-automatic paper airplane launcher, this being the most simple but effective prototype with the materials we had available.

Materials:

• Wooden planks
• 2 DC motors ( https://www.amazon.com/-/es/potencia-12V-24V-herramientas-conductor-bricolaje/dp/B086Z47DLJ/ref=sr_1_29?dchild=1&keywords=dc+motor&qid=1635012185&sr=8-29 )
• 12V battery ( https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Bater%C3%ADas-volts-alarmas-ExpertPower-Paquete/dp/B003S1RQ2S/ref=sr_1_8?__mk_es_US=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=3N80UMQTH7OC9&dchild=1&keywords=12v%2Bbattery&qid=1635012236&sprefix=12%2Caps%2C267&sr=8-8&th=1 )
• Button
• Cables
• 3d printed parts (STL file in the Project Library)
• Silicone 

Tools:

• Automatic saw
• Hot silicone
• File
• 3d printer
• Duct tape
• Fusion36
• Drill and crowns
• Scissors
• Cutter

1. We  calculated the speed at which we want our airplane to launch, we did this using an image with squares distanced equally from each other, so that we could pass from squares per second to meters per second. We did this as too much speed could be unstable and too low might not create enough lift and it would fall. However, the intensity of the motor is extremely low, and due to this problem we couldn't use resistances in order to reduce the spin speed of the motors.

1. We designed a wooden structure in which to fit the motors structure. At first we wanted to make it steeped so the plane would go upwards, but when the structure was finished and we were doing testing we realized there was no need for it to be steep.

1. We finally put the button and all the wiring and the battery, connected to the motors. To end, we put a wooden plank to cover the open structure. We 3D printed the cylinders with a custom inner and outer diameter. (In this step you have the stl file)

Conclusion:

We managed to end the prototype by the deadline

However, the actual state of the project still very rudimentary and some upgrades could be made:

• Building a more sophisticated and exact structure as the one used is not optimal.
• Upgrading the launch system, as we had to use tape surrounding the spinners to make friction lower.
• Using low resistances to modify launch speed.