Spring-Actuated Ping Pong Launcher

A spring-powered launcher built to shoot ping pong balls accurately through a target while staying put using nothing but a counterweight (no clamps, no fasteners tying it to the table).

Designing the system began with static force and moment equilibrium analysis to determine the minimum counterweight required to keep the launcher stable during release. Spring potential energy calculations were then used to size the mechanism. The final design was validated through repeated tests and slight geometric adjustments of the barrel. At our final showcase, our team achieved a shot accuracy beyond the maximum scoring threshold at a 7 ft shooting distance.