Compliant Catapult Ejection

The solution is built on a flexible-mechanism architecture composed of simple, repeatable parts that are quick and easy to assemble. Key requirements were defined around the criterion that the capsule must reach an altitude at least twice the fuselage length. Finite element analysis (FEA) demonstrated that the parametric design enables performance scaling and that flexible mechanisms allow multiple functions to be achieved without complex subassemblies. Manufacturability is high using 3D printing and laser cutting with readily available standard fasteners, accelerating the design–iterate cycle.