Balloon Archery Target
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My son and I recently discovered archery. While he is motivated to go and shoot arrows, we experienced a turning point when we started to use balloons as opposed to paper targets. I realized that there is something to having more exciting feedback for the kids. However, even a regular balloon filled to capacity was hard to hit and it was difficult to tell how well you aimed. The device I would like to design uses 4 balloons, widens the target and also provides visual feedback for accuracy.
Terminology:
4 inch round ballon
These are technically 5 inch balloons but would only inflate to 4 inch for our purpose.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007AMUJ16/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
260 Balloons
Your basic balloon animal balloon. Can be inflated to any length. Inflated they are about 1.75 inches wide.
www.amazon.com/260-Q-Balloons-Qualatex-Royal-Magic/dp/B000SDPYMS
Attachment
The mechanism to attach the entire holder/device to the target backer. This should consist of a hole that is large enough to accommodate a pencil. In most cases a thick nail ~5mm would be used to loosely attach the holder/device to the target backer. As an alternative, a simple hole could be used with a loop wire (like a key ring) to pass a nail through.
Target backer
Usually a large bail of hay, dense styrofoam or extra large bag filled with dense material.
Holder/Device
The part we need to make that holds the balloons in place and attaches to the target backer.
Goals:
Easy to ship (i.e. flat). Easy to assemble (i.e. minimal parts). Durable but as thin as possible when looking directly at the unit. Imagine arrows being fired at this and the thinner the profile head on, the less likely arrows will actually do damage. 3D printer friendly for initial launch. If successful will goto mold.
Technical needs:
I'd like to keep the balloons as close together as possible, but it isn't critical that they touch. Obviously there will be some variance based on the balloons and how they are inflated. Remember this is for kids, not olympic archers. Fun feedbacl, ease of use (adults will need to setup for the kids) and simplicity are more important than tolerances.
Description of Holder/Device
1 Middle bracket/arm holding a single 4 inch round balloon
3 concentric circles each holding a 260 type balloon (various lengths depending on which circle). Inflated they are about 1.75 inches around.
The entire back of the target should lay flat. This means that the 4 inch round balloon will stick out further than the 260 balloons.
The holder/device should be made up of exactly two pieces that will allow for easier 3D printing and shipping. The physical connection between the two can either be built into the model with a turn and snap or simply allow for a screw/nut to be used. If screw and nut, the design should include a feature that only allows the two pieces to come together in one way so there is no question how the user should assemble.
All balloons will be inflated and tied to the appropriate size by the user before being inserted into the holder/device. The 260 balloons will also be tied in a "circle" before being inserted into the holder/device. All connections between the holder/device are press fit. All parts of the holder/device need to avoid sharp edges to ovoid popping balloons.
The attached picture shows the concept but without any type of holder. They are press fit together and are more out of shape than round. The holder/device should greatly improve the roundness of the balloons when properly in place.
The attached drawing shows some very basic 2d drawings. However, if you have a better concept for holding the balloons, I am open to that. This is really function over form (i.e. emphasis on working over how it looks as a standalone product.)
- SolidWorks
- Trimble SketchUp (Google)
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Discussion
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best regards
REDA
Thank you Zicked et good luck
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Buyer
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He will make a surprised by posting the image of the printed and announced the winner :)
REDA thank you for the compliment.
Without knowing...We are all winning ...
but at this point we are waiting for the WINNER.
Even though we come from different parts of the world, we share the same common interest....SHAPES
Peter , Do join us in the invite room...the more the merrier.
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but I think the No. 1 gold Zulfadzryl REDA ;) hihi
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:)
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We share the same thoughts :)
As a recap the ingredients are :
Robust, Flawless , Durable, User Friendly, Usability, Uniformity, Manufacturability, Functionality and appearance.
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- robust : no thin walls in the joints - after using it a lot the sun will cure the plastic making it brittle
thin walls=short life
- joints that do not allow the components to twist in the joint, less wear and tear, plus the shape is always the same, beautifully aligned.
- good looks - today&;s technology allows good looking products, there is no excuse for poor taste design.
-sloped surfaces for the arrow to hit without damaging the target.
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The correct answer is?
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Drum roll....finger crossing
All the best guys :)
BAZONAS
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