Siege Machine

This siege machine was the final project for MEAM 101: Intro to Mechanical Design. The project goals were very open-ended, as each group was tasked with creating a launching mechanism for bouncy balls. The main constraining design requirements were an overall size limitation to fit within a 12x12x12 inch area, the inclusion of at least one laser cut, one 3D printed part, and one type of joint learned earlier in the class, and an exclusion of any tape or adhesives for the final assembly. My group opted for a linear punching mechanism, which launches the balls via an impact delivered by a puncher powered by rubber bands. My individual tasks were to create the puncher box and rubber band attachment mechanism, but the overall system design and idea were formed collaboratively.

On performance day, each class section was divided into two groups and placed across a ~10-yard gap. In front of the siege machines, walls consisting of 4 rows of 1-inch wooden cubes were the targets of the competition. The competition consisted of knocking down all blocks on the opposing side to evaluate our machines. Our side won, of course.