Designing Shoes to Walk on Eggs: Ideas Welcome!

In summary, for a project in Physics class, the objective is to walk on eggs using shoes designed by each group. The guidelines include not using prefabricated shoes, no wood, metal, or glass, a maximum thickness of 10 cm, and contact with only the eggs, not cartons. Additional points are given for having the lightest shoe and/or having the person with the greatest mass walk on the eggs. Ideas for designing the shoes include using rigid Poly-Foam packing material, layering cardboard, rubber, or plastic, and researching snow shoe designs. It is recommended to set the eggs upright before starting and to use high density foam to spread out the load.
  • #1
flipper2388
4
0
Hello! We've begun a new project in our Physics class, and the objective is to walk on eggs with shoes designed by each group. My problem is designing the shoes. I have learned that we need to increase the surface area of the shoes to reduce the pressure, but I don't know of any ideas on how to construct the shoes. We also have the following guidelines:

1. We cannot use prefabricated shoes.
2. No wood, metal, or glass in the shoes.
3. The shoes will have a maximum thickness of 10 cm (with no one standing on them)
4. The shoes can make contact only with the eggs, not the cartons.

We also receive more points for having the lightest shoe and/or having the person with the greatest mass walking on the eggs. (the largest member of our group is 240 lbs, if that can help in ideas)

I'm simply in need of ideas, and any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Try rigid Poly-Foam packing material. It's fairly rigid, extremely light, and available in blocks that can be fabricated. (This material is often used for packing electronic equipment like computers and printers. You may actually have some around already.)


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  • #3
Are the eggs going to be upright in their cartons, or on their sides? ( it makes a big difference ).

what about layers of cardboard, or rubber, or plastic, somthing that is somewhat flat and rigid that will spread the force over a large area.
try researching snow shoes (the ones that look like tennis rackets) for ideas.
 
  • #4
MathStudent said:
Are the eggs going to be upright in their cartons, or on their sides? ( it makes a big difference)


I'm almost positive that they will be on their side.

Thank you both for your ideas so far.
 
  • #5
Eggs are extremely strong along their longitudinal axis (long axis). Even though it reduces the surface area you would be stepping on the strength gains will more than out weigh the loss. If it is not specified, I would set them all upright before starting.

A high density foam is definitely the way to go. Make them large to spread out the load across as many eggs as possible.
 

What is the purpose of designing shoes to walk on eggs?

The purpose of designing shoes to walk on eggs is to create a footwear that can evenly distribute the weight of a person walking on delicate eggs without breaking them. This can be useful for activities such as egg walks or egg races, as well as for protecting fragile surfaces.

What materials would be best for creating these shoes?

The best materials for creating shoes to walk on eggs would be those that are lightweight, flexible, and have a good grip. Some possible options could include rubber, silicone, or foam materials. It is important to choose materials that can absorb shock and distribute weight evenly to prevent the eggs from breaking.

Are there any existing designs for shoes that can walk on eggs?

Yes, there are some existing designs for shoes that can walk on eggs. One example is the "egg walk shoes" created by inventor J. Arthur Storer in the early 20th century. These shoes had a series of small metal spikes on the sole to distribute weight and prevent egg breakage. However, there is still room for innovation and improvement in this area of shoe design.

What challenges may arise when designing these shoes?

One of the main challenges in designing shoes to walk on eggs is finding the right balance between distributing weight and maintaining stability. The shoes need to be able to support the weight of a person while also being flexible enough to adapt to different walking surfaces. Additionally, finding the right materials and ensuring durability can also be challenging.

How can this type of shoe design be beneficial to society?

This type of shoe design can have several potential benefits to society. For example, it can provide a fun and unique activity for events and parties, and can also be a useful tool for teaching balance and precision. It could also have practical applications, such as protecting fragile surfaces during construction or moving heavy objects. Additionally, the design process itself can contribute to advancements in material science and shoe engineering.

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