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Mousetrap Car. TIPS. View in full slide show mode and use headphones / earbuds. The magic of the mousetrap. Spring. Bail Wire. Speed or distance.
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Mousetrap Car TIPS View in full slide show mode and use headphones /earbuds
The magic of the mousetrap Spring Bail Wire
Speed or distance For more speed - Move the mousetrap closer to the drive axle. Make sure that the trap is not too close to the drive axle or the wheels will spin. For more distance travelled – Move the mousetrap away from the drive axle. Drive Axle
Notice the trap close to the rear axel! This trap placement will give the car more speed. Notice the trap far from the rear axel! This trap placement will give the car more distance.
Ideas for Increasing Distance Increase Axle-to-Wheel Ratio 1. Use a larger drive wheel. The larger your drive-wheel the greater the distance your mousetrap car will travel per turn of the wheel. 2. Use a smaller drive axle. The larger the ratio of drive wheel(s)-to-axles diameter, the farther you mousetrap car will go for each turn of the wheel and the greater the pulling distance will be.
Ideas for Increasing SpeedDecrease Axle-to-Wheel Ratio • Decrease the axle to wheel ratio by adding tape to the drive axle or using smaller drive wheels. • 2. Use a larger drive axle. The smaller the ratio of drive wheel(s)-to-axles diameter, the greater the acceleration that you will experience. Careful, if the ration is too small your vehicle will spin its wheels rather than accelerate.
String & Lever arm Length 1. The string length should be a bit longer than the distance from the lever arm to the drive axle. This will allow the loop to release from the hook, preventing the string from rewinding. Do not permanently attach the string to the drive axle
Two kinds of Friction • Static friction — the force that prevents motion from occurring. • Kinetic friction — the force that impedes a motion.
Wheels • If the hole of your wheels is bigger than the 1/8th inch axles you need an adapter. You can use a washer or small wheel hot glued to your wheel.
Insert the part from the bale in the top of the effort arm. A little hot glue holds it in.
Add cable tie to drive axle. Cable tie on axle Cable tie trimmed to correct length
Greater distance can be achieved • Construct a light chassis – frame • Using a longer length lever arm • Have a large axle to large wheel ratio. • Reduce friction • Increase traction
What to do. • Click on the link to view some long distance cars. • http://www.docfizzix.com/distance_cars.htm • You can see lots of different designs by looking in Google images. • With your partner prepare design drawings for your vehicle. Side view and top view with measurement using pencil. Include a list of materials to be used and discuss with the teacher.