This was our annual mousetrap challenge. We were given the goal to create a contraption that has can sustain acceleration and distance using a mousetrap, string, and two axles as a blueprint.
11 Achievements
Design Stage
Braniac
1. CD wheels
2. Fishtertek wheels
3. Red fishertek wheels
4. Circular yellow rods as frame
5. Yellow brackets as frame
6. Axle as the little rods
7. Axle as the bulky square
8. Paper wings
9. Suspension for more momentum
10. Tape for friction for more acceleration
Visualize it
Build Stage
- Build It
- The Price of Glory
2 axles
4 wheels
One string
Two yellow brackets as frame
Mouse Trap
1 length of string
$11 net cost
Test Stage
Competitor
"Compete in the 2nd annual mousetrap challenge"
Feedback
+ It accelerated at least some
- The "motor" was not very efficient
Simple design, but sometimes to a fault
Simple design, but sometimes to a fault
Iterate Stage
Re-work
Changes that would be efficient would have a better motor. The string was not very reliable over and over and had a lot of human error. I would string it better or have a easier axle to tie it to.
Game Changer
"No trial runs are allowed"
This would make the teams have to be sure that their designs work.
Name It
"Don't get your finger caught in a mousetrap."
Don't get your finger caught in a mousetrap. Because it hurts.
Clean Up Stage
Leave It Cleaner Than You Found It
I picked up all the rods and little parts that were under our desk that no one could see or pick up.
Reflection Stage
Design build is working up to a final design by creating designs that eventually weed out all problems. We made one design and worked on it when it did not work efficiently. This relates to engineering careers, and really any career.
