I need some help or ideas for a ball launcher for a volleyball ball. So i know that there are three main ball launcher types: fly wheel, puncher, and catapult. And I know that the usual commercial launchers are the fly wheel type for such a thing but from experience they tend to wear out the ball with use. What i’d need is to launch it about 10ft (3m) in the air at an angle (50-60 degrees).
I have managed to make it for smaller balls (like a tennis ball) but when scaling it seems to be a problem with the required size/weight (the weight is 0.65lbs or 300g max).
I know it’s a very specific question and not a question for the competitions but would still appreciate any input and ideas. Just trying to make something to practice some volleyball elements when I’m on my own.
And since you are clearly offroading here, you can make a circle out of stacked sheet material and then bolt gears to the center, effectively giving you a bigger gear.
For launching loads like yours I’m a huge fan of this:
I’d go with the stacked plexi wheel and build a choo-choo out of 1x1x35 Aluminum Angle (6-pack 276-6484) that I had converted into boxed channel for strength.
Great project idea for volleyball practice! For a 300g volleyball, a catapult mechanism would likely work best since it’s gentler on the ball compared to flywheels.
Consider using surgical tubing or heavy-duty rubber bands as the power source - they provide good elastic potential energy and are easily adjustable.
For the 50-60 degree launch angle, you can build an adjustable stop mechanism to consistently hit your target angle.