Paper Rocket Launcher with Generator

We wanted to build a paper rocket launcher similar to that in Make magazine except entirely kid-powered, safe, and able to run all day long for fairs and festivals.  This design has at least 1000 launches in heat and dust and can launch a rocket made from a single sheet of copier paper and 12" of clear tape; sending it close to 100 feet aloft if carefully made.  Poorly made rockets fizzle or sometimes explode with a loud BANG on the launchpad which also causes much excitement.

The control panel has a hand-crank generator, electronics to store the charge, an LED to show readiness, a safety switch, and a launch button. Having all these bits and the 3-2-1 countdown really builds the suspense.

Paper Rocket Launcher from blipvert on Vimeo.

Step 1 Launch Tower

Materials for Launch pad

2 feet 1/2" pvc pipe
3 feet 3/4" pvc pipe
pvc fittings as shown in pictures
schrader valve for car tire
3/4" straight sprinkler valve
30-50 feet of 1/4" Polyethylene drip irrigation tubing
4 feet 1/2" galvanized pipe
1/2" galvanized flange
2'x3' 1/2" plywood (approximately)
2 push-to-connect tube fittings 1/4" tube to 1/4" pipe thread - mcmaster.com part #51025K178
bicycle pump

Start by assembling the sprinkler valve with the fittings as shown. You will need to drill a hole in the end cap that leads to the pump. Put the push-to connect fitting in that end cap. This is where you can connect your drip irrigation pipe. This sprinkler pipe will connect to a short length of pvc pipe with caps on both ends. The second push to connect valve goes on one end and the Schrader valve goes on the other end.  The Schrader valve connects to the bicycle pump. The drip pipe should be long enough so that kids can safely launch their rockets. A 3/4" pvc pipe with a cap on the end is added to the bottom of the sprinkler valve assembly. This is where the compressed air is stored until the launch button is pressed. Another length of 1/2" pipe is attached to the top of the assembly. This is where you mount your rocket. Screw the galvanized flange into the middle of the plywood. Screw the galvanized pipe into the flange. This will give you a sturdy place to attach your sprinkler valve assembly. Wood spacers and hose clamps were used in this case.

Comments

[mikeborgie]

Fantastic Generator! I have engineered a much different launcher with the same principles and have used 2 nine volts as a power source for launching with my 5th graders. How much fun is this! I am on the build now to add this great fun to the project I do with my kids to test newtons laws of inertia. Cheers

[rimar2000]

Very interesting, complete and prolix instructable!