Weekly Blog Update

Weekly Blog Updates

Week 1 - 6:
Worked on Prototype 1, developed design outlines and CAD drawings. Considered costs of materials by comparing relative strength and quantity per dollar.
Eventual construction materials decision:
- PVC sheeting
- PVC tubing
- Wood

Week 7:
Completed build of Prototype 1. Analyze and tested prototype 1 for range and effectiveness. Created parts for magazine.
Identified issues with design of prototype 1:
- Secondary barrel is restricting dart flight through front of gun. Hand sanded plunger assembly is not accurate enough to send darts straight down the barrel.
- Spring can be compressed further to allow for greater range
- Pump Handle and Plunger Connection is under too much stress during firing. Cement seal is breaking after sustained use.

Design revision of Prototype 2 to account for flaws
1. Removal of secondary barrel
2. Addition of plunger-stop inside barrel to relieve stress on connection assembly
3. Shifting of cut patterns 1 inch back to increase spring compression

Week 8:
Began construction of Prototype 2. Built magazine mock-up, tested for dart feeding. 
- Magazine design is too construction intensive and our tools are not accurate enough to tool the precise requirements. 
Redesign of magazine is necessary for effective dart feeding.

Week 9:
Prototype 2 construction impeded by catastrophic break in main gun tube. Due to a flaw from the milling process, when accidental use of high range setting caused a crack in main barrel. The prototype was subsequently mended using PVC glue. Will continue to test viability of the prototype and change model as necessary.