Engineering Blog
This section of my website is designed to show off the most recent technical challenges that I have overcome.
Recently, most of my attention has been focused on my V2 LaxBot prototype. There have been a lot of challenges I have faced when designing, fabricating, and programming this prototype, however I will be focusing on the mechanical design and mechatronics aspects of this project as the programming contains sensitive data and intellectual property.
If you want to learn more about any of these topics, challenges, or solutions, or just want to chat, feel free to reach out at kshvodian@gmail.com.LaxBot: Dual Flywheel Ball Launcher CAD Overview
This video showcases the engineering and design process behind LaxBot’s most critical subsystem: the Flywheel Cage. The Flywheel Cage is a custom built dual flywheel assembly designed to accurately launch lacrosse balls using high-speed brushless motors and precision mechanical construction.
The cage structure is built from 2020 aluminum extrusions reinforced with heavy duty corner brackets to handle the intense outward forces generated by compressing and launching balls at speeds of 50+ mph. I explain the reasons for this overbuilt frame (ensuring rigidity, alignment, and safety under dynamic loads) as well as the use of flanged ball bearings, steel shafts, and laser cut aluminum brackets for mounting and support.
I also detail the physics behind the system: how counter rotating flywheels reduce gyroscopic precession, why compression maximizes frictional energy transfer, and how the normal force between wheels directly affects ball velocity. To ensure reliability, I incorporated clever engineering techniques like embedding steel rods in 3D printed couplers in order to to reinforce against torque induced failure and reduce shear along layer lines.
This subsystem is central to LaxBot’s design and required careful consideration of materials, tolerances, and rotational dynamics.
For more context on the full robot or to see earlier versions, visit my projects page.