SPEED Ejection Mechanism

My ejection mechanism design for the SPEED challenge focuses on a fast, reliable, efficient, and producible design. It uses three springs that compress the launching plate to the static base. The springs will likely compress under hundreds of pounds of force to allow for a fast ejection and prevent it from lingering behind the first stage and being affected by the resulting wake. To achieve this strong compression in a fast and safe manner, the design utilizes a one-way piston that pushes a hub connected to three lever mechanisms, which in turn pull the plate down. The higher the psi, the more weight it can pull down and eject. Once the piston is filled with the desired pressure, three mag locks (commonly used on doors) lock the launching plate down. The user will detach the compressor, and the one-way piston will retract while leaving the launching plate loaded. The capsule test model will be placed before the mechanism is loaded with the compressor to ensure safety. The user can adjust the mount for the capsule to match the desired angle of the capsule. The locks on the sides will hold the capsule to the mount. Now with the piston filled, this system allows for very quick reloading, making testing multiple times much more efficient than the existing design. The three mag locks are unlocked with 28 AWG wires that send a 5V pulse signal to the lock. There are three guide rails around the plate to allow for a linear ejection. Once released, the plate slides up the rails from the force of the springs. As it reaches the top, the manual locks that hold the capsule to the mount are released when they make contact with a manual stopper. This locking mechanism is simple, keeps the capsule secure, adapts to different shapes, and prevents the need for more electrical components. Once unlocked, the capsule ejects at a very high speed. The design will consist of 3d printed parts and possibly some steel parts for parts that receive a lot of stress, such as the lever mechanism t