Intro:
For this project, we had to design a vehicle that was powered only by a mouse mousetrap. We could use any materials we wanted and tried to make it go the furthest distance in the class.
Technical Concepts:
This project dealt a lot with the aspects of mass, force, and friction. These concepts were necessary to try to make the vehicle move and go far. For example, the vehicle needed to have enough force to overcome friction. Also, if the vehicle was too heavy, it wasn't able to move.
Learning Goals:
To make this project a success, we had to build a vehicle out of wood. To do this, we had to use almost all of the tools in the lab, which I have never used before. This included using the drill press, band saw, scroll saw, and belt sander. I wanted to become comfortable with them and able to use them correctly.
Design Brief:
We tried many designs for this project, but the one that was the most successful was the simplest of them all. This design consisted of two pieces of the lattice wood side by side, separated by about three inches. This support was our main chassis. Length wise, our vehicle was only about nine inches. For the front axle, we decided to use a screw because it would spin for a long time, and easily. On that axle, we had two wheels that were CDs. The back axle was just plastic from a hanger, since a screw was too heavy, and had just one wheel on it which was again, a CD. To make the chassis sturdy and level, we had a square of wood that connected to both sides, which also acted as the support that the mousetrap was mounted on. Finally, to keep the wheels from sliding on the axles, we used nuts on the screw and cut rubber squares for the plastic axle.
Positive Feedback:
Although or vehicle wasn't in the top third of the class, it was placed average which is what we were aiming for. This was made possible because of our light design and also our front axle that was a screw. The screw rolled so easily which made the wheels continue to roll for awhile and our light design also contributed to that.
Redesign:
If we were to rebuild this vehicle, my partner and I would probably think of a way to incorporate a record since it travels further than a CD. We might try to go with two records as back wheels and one CD as the front wheel which would make the vehicle more stable. It may be way too heavy and not move, but if it got going, then it would be a very good design.
Technological Resources:
We got to use many resources for this project. These resources consisted of people- our partners, tools- all the machines and equipment in the lab, and time- the deadline we had to meet so we could test our vehicle.
Biggest Challenge:
Overall, the most common problem we came across was the our vehicle wouldn't move. We tried so many different approaches to try to overcome that, but none of them really worked out. Since the vehicle wasn't moving at all, we figured it was because it was too heavy. We tried everything we could from changing the back axle, drilling a lot of holes, and finally ended up scratching everything and rebuilding.
What I Learned:
This project really got me familiar with all the tools and machines in the lab. I am now able to use them comfortably and safely. Not only did I become familiar with the tools, but I also really got to learn the problem solving process and design process. Because of all the setbacks with our vehicle, my partner and I had to constantly think of new designs and ways to make our vehicle better
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