How do you get a mouse trap car to go forward and then backward?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design and mechanics of a mouse-trap car that can move both forward and backward for a distance of 3 meters. Participants explore various ideas and modifications related to this concept, including the use of multiple mousetraps and different mechanisms for propulsion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the feasibility of building a mouse-trap car that meets the specified requirements by Monday.
  • Another suggests using two mousetraps to fire off one at a time to achieve the desired movement.
  • A different approach involves using a rubber band mechanism that would require tension adjustment to allow the car to move backward after going forward.
  • Some participants recommend modifying existing designs found online to incorporate a winding sequence for the car's movement.
  • Links to student projects are shared, showcasing designs that successfully utilize two traps for forward and backward motion.
  • One participant proposes a method involving tying the car to a string suspended from the ceiling to aid in movement.
  • Another suggests a detailed mechanical setup involving a fixed mousetrap, weights, and springs to control the car's direction and movement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple competing views and ideas on how to achieve the desired functionality of the mouse-trap car. No consensus is reached on a single approach, and various methods are proposed.

Contextual Notes

Some suggestions depend on specific mechanical configurations and may require further clarification on the assumptions involved in their designs. The effectiveness of each proposed method remains uncertain.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in mechanical design, physics projects, or those working on similar homework assignments may find the discussion beneficial.

dxmichelle
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I need to build a mouse-trap car that goes forward 3 meters and goes backwards 3 meters by Monday... is that even possible? Pls, help me with ideas... :bugeye:
 
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By Monday? You'd better get cracking.

Best guess is use 2 mousetraps... Fire them off one at a time.
 
Why not have one wind a rubber band or something... you will have to adjust the tension but have it wind up then it should be able to get back..
 
here is some students who created a mousetrap car that went forward and backward with 2 traps like enigma said
http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/ejl/?M=D
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Another two trap foward/backward design
http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/alauer/MecheDesign/mouse2.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Tie the car to a string suspended from the ceiling?
 
Fix the mouse-trap FIRMLY to a little car. Fix the trap in a position such that when the wire thing comes to a stop, the momentum of anything attached to it will be in the direction the car will travel. Attach a weight to the end of that wire part. Put a spring on the front of the car. Put a firm support behind the car, so it can't jump backwards. Place a hard surface in front of the car, 3 meters away...
 
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