Mechatronic Nerf Blaster

The blaster fires darts by propelling them out of a chain with compressed air and into a pair of flywheels. The compressed air is controlled by a solenoid valve, which is timed by an Arduino reading the sensor input from a rotary encoder synced to the gear that holds the chain. The electrical system contains the Arduino microcontroller, two DC motors, a solenoid valve, and an ultrasonic distance sensor that triggers firing. The compressed air system is composed of a high-pressure storage tank and two buffer tanks at the lower firing pressure.

I created wiring diagrams and a piping and instrumentation diagram and parts of the microcontroller code. I also assembled the compressed air system and manufactured the chain, as well as parts of the electrical system.

In my mechatronics class, groups were tasked with designing a complex system that combined both mechanical and electronic systems. My group chose to design a Nerf blaster that would use a belt-fed compressed-air and flywheel system to fire darts. This system was designed and optimised for a high dart speed and dart firing rate. We achieved 700 darts per minute at a speed of 80 miles per hour.

Takeaways

Through this project, I experienced the entire design process, from ideation to final system integration and testing. I gained experience working with microcontrollers and sensors in applications that require precise timing and feedback. I also gained experience designing and manufacturing compressed air systems with integrated electronic components.