Powering a Vehicle with Falling Mass: A Design Guide

AI Thread Summary
To convert the energy of a falling mass into forward motion for a vehicle, using pulleys is a suggested method. A trebuchet design has been effectively demonstrated to launch a vehicle, highlighting the potential of mechanical advantage in this application. The discussion also humorously touches on unconventional ideas, such as using a falling weight for theft, but these are not practical solutions. The focus remains on finding efficient designs that harness gravitational energy for propulsion. Overall, the challenge lies in effectively translating the energy from a short drop into usable motion for an inclined ramp.
deuzada
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please help me to find out what is the best and simple way to convert the energy of falling mass to into forward motion? i have to design and creat a vehicle which uses a mass falling over a short distance to power a vehicle up an inclined ramp.
 
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A trebuchet (catapult) has been used to launch a Volkswagen. See this youtube (this is actually a parabola):
 
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You could drop a heavy weight on someone's head and then swipe his car keys...
 

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