Radar Navigation & Firing Mechanism

This project presents a mechanical model of a radar-inspired detection and response system designed to demonstrate key principles of kinematics and mechanism design. A radar-like scanning unit oscillates using a crank–rocker four-bar linkage to simulate target detection. Once a target is detected through a simple sensor interface, a Geneva indexing mechanism rotates a circular magazine step-by-step to align a projectile holder with a fixed barrel position. The Geneva mechanism converts continuous rotation into intermittent motion, providing a dwell period for loading. Instead of a pusher mechanism, the system uses gravity-assisted loading, where the projectile drops from the aligned holder into the barrel. The prototype uses simple planar linkages and revolute joints to illustrate motion conversion, indexing mechanisms, and coordinated mechanical sequencing in a safe, low-energy educational model.