Revisiting CDs: From Dominance to Obscurity
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, compact discs (CDs) were the most widespread audio format, clearly surpassing cassette tapes. However, rapid technological advancements transformed the landscape, causing CDs to gradually lose their functional value as digital media took center stage.
Creative Recycling: When Discs Turn into Tools
With the loss of their original function, some individuals began repurposing old CDs for new uses, such as crafting furniture or converting them into artistic elements. In certain instances, innovative projects emerged where CDs were used as “projectiles” launched through homemade tools — much like in the game Far Cry 6, which introduced a fictional weapon called the “Discos Locos,” similar to a wrist-mounted disc launcher.
Musa Project: A New Take on a Familiar Design
Inspired by these innovations, “Musa’s Return” conceived a design that deviated from the norm. Instead of creating a gun-like design, Musa chose to develop a device that attaches to the wrist and fires discs horizontally, lending the project a unique technical and experimental flair by effectively creating a wrist-mounted disc launcher.
Challenges of Designing the Wearable Disc Launcher
Creating a unique design based on old concepts is not without its challenges. This is what Musa’s Return discovered during the development of his wearable disc launcher. Initially, the design of the device required dealing with complex physical and mathematical details to ensure its effectiveness in launching discs quickly and accurately.
The Precise Calculations Behind the Design
Musa explained all the physical and mathematical calculations he relied on in building his device through a YouTube video, where he provided a comprehensive and detailed explanation of how it works. However, if you prefer not to dive into technical details, don’t worry. You can continue reading to understand the basics that helped Musa turn his device into a powerful tool capable of “decapitating” vegetables and fruits in the garden for fun!
Practical Purposes of the Wearable Launcher
Although the device was initially designed purely for fun, the question remains: Can the wearable disc launcher be used for other practical purposes? If you decide to follow in Musa’s footsteps and create a similar device yourself, are there any practical applications you could add to it to expand its uses? These open ideas could pave the way for future development of such devices like a wrist-mounted disc launcher.
From Concept to Execution: How the Project Began
Before discussing the potential uses, it’s important to look at Musa’s first steps in building his unique device. The story began with a box of mini-CDs — smaller discs than the standard ones used for audio playback. Upon seeing them, he had the idea to transform them into “projectiles” fired from a device that attaches to the wrist, thus developing his wrist-mounted disc launcher.
The Flywheel: The Heart of the Device
The first design step was with the flywheel, which Musa described as the key component of the launcher. The flywheel’s function is to spin at an extremely high speed, allowing the disc to glide along its path and be launched with force.
To achieve this rapid spinning, Musa used a motor capable of reaching 40,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). With this phase complete, work began on enhancing the launch power of the wrist-mounted disc launcher.
Performance Enhancement: Doubling the Thrust
Musa didn’t stop with just one flywheel. He added a second flywheel to achieve dual thrust, raising the launch speed to about 33 miles per hour. This development gave the device a sharp dynamic edge, making it capable of launching discs with enough force to penetrate soft objects — such as fruits and vegetables — turning it into an effective experimental tool.
Accuracy in Aiming: Gyroscopic Rotation
One of the standout innovations Musa added to his design was adjusting the angle of the flywheels. This modification wasn’t random; it was carefully planned to give the compact discs a spin as they were launched, creating gyroscopic stability. This type of stability helps the projectile maintain its path, ensuring high accuracy in hitting the target, even while flying at high speeds.
Launch Speed: Five Shots per Second
The device is not only about power or accuracy but also boasts a high launch rate. It can fire five discs per second, making it a highly entertaining tool, especially for recreational experiments or home tests.
From Printing to Precision Manufacturing
As for the structure holding the launch mechanism, the process began with a 3D printer to create a plastic prototype. However, this version didn’t meet the required standards for durability or aesthetic appeal. Therefore, Musa decided to manufacture a final version using metal, crafted with a CNC machine, giving the launcher a more professional appearance and greater sturdiness, perfecting the wrist-mounted disc launcher.
