The Disqualifier: Progress on Pneumatic Striking Device

Originally, my design was an attachment on the leg. The goal was to create a wearable device that could propel a fighter’s strikes and ultimately get them expelled from any tournament or event they partake in. However, after completing my specifications and constraints documentation, I realized that the kinematic logistics of the project would be difficult to implement under the constraints I established. As such, I pivoted my design from a mechanically assisted kick, to a mechanically assisted punch.

Figure 1: Partial inspiration for the reiteration of the design. Take from a video game Overwatch (Marshall)

System Overview: 

The key component of my design is the pneumatic cylinder. With a 25mm bore, 150mm stroke, the pneumatic cylinder was tested and proven effective at an operating pressure of 100 PSI. To successfully assemble my device to this point and perform the tests, I had to use a variety of teflon tapes, valves, O-rings and other equipment. Further, previously owned equipment from my fighting was disassembled to create the chassis for the final device.

Figure 2: Shin guards disassembled for the chassis of the device.

Aesthetic Considerations:

A collection of shin guards used prior in my Muay Thai Career conformed to the cyberpunk aesthetic. However, midway through developing my device, I had an urge to change the aesthetic of my project. Cyberpunk seemed like a low bar to cross: the parts and pneumatic system already conformed to the style of cyberpunk tech-wear. However, I wanted to adapt my design to a different aesthetic… one that I would like to coin as “spar-punk.”

Figure 3: Example of “spar-punk” aesthetic (minus the magical element) (DiMartino)

Sparpunk is an aesthetic I thought of that blends the intensity and discipline of competitive training with the spectacle of combat sports, evoking scenes like The Legend of Korra’s pro-bending arenas. It carries a stylized, almost theatrical flair—akin to the Olympics—where athletes don’t just fight, they represent entire cultures, nations, or ideologies. Emphasizing unity through rivalry, Sparpunk is defined by sleek uniforms, dramatic lighting, padded armor, and a reverence for skill honed through rigorous discipline and honor-driven competition.

Future Steps:

Full assembly will be interesting. First I need to pad the end of the hydraulic to ensure liability when using. I want the device to work, but not to hurt people interested or idiotically interacting with the device. Further, I will need to decide on whether these changes to the aesthetic will be implemented or not.

References:

DiMartino, M. D., & Konietzko, B. (2012). The Spirit of Competition. The Legend of Korra. episode, Nickelodeon .

Marshall, C. (2017, August 15). Is Doomfist Op?. Polygon. https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/15/16151644/doomfist-win-rates-op-rocket-punch