A mechanical toy vehicle (w/o electronic)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on creating a mechanical toy vehicle that can navigate around an obstruction without using electronic components. Various non-motorized solutions are proposed, including wind-up mechanisms, oven timers, and string-based systems to control steering and turning. The project parameters include a budget of up to $150, a straight path of 9-12 meters, and a requirement to stay within a 2-meter width. The need for clarity on the turning distance and direction is emphasized to refine the design. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of creative mechanical solutions for toy vehicle navigation.
Umori
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Using some kind of launching/propelling system to launch a vehicle (toy size)...
The problem is getting the vehicle to turn at a certain point to avoid the obstruction w/o using any type of motor.
I've tried to look into zigzag patterns, but they all require electronic motors w/ gear shafts.. but i need something that's not motorized.
 
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Vehicle? Land sea or air? Budget? Ten dollars or ten thousand?

I'll assume a small wheeled vehicle for a school project.
Does the distance after which it needs to turn change?
Does the direction it needs to turn change?
How many turns does it need to make?
Electronic motors can be replaced with wind ups. Oven timers can be rigged to engage other mechanisms. strings that wind around driven axles can pull a pin or sim. after a set distance. A wind up motor and a crank to the steering axle is an easy way to get zigzagging. There are many other paths to go down depending on budget and application
 
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billy_joule said:
Vehicle? Land sea or air? Budget? Ten dollars or ten thousand?

I'll assume a small wheeled vehicle for a school project.
Does the distance after which it needs to turn change?
Does the direction it needs to turn change?
How many turns does it need to make?
Electronic motors can be replaced with wind ups. Oven timers can be rigged to engage other mechanisms. strings that wind around driven axles can pull a pin or sim. after a set distance. A wind up motor and a crank to the steering axle is an easy way to get zigzagging. There are many other paths to go down depending on budget and application
Budget: no more than 150. Distance is around 9-12 meters (straight path) with an small obstruction being at midway range. The toy vehicle must stay within 2 meter width of the path.
 
Your requirements are too vague for me to offer any more advice, good luck.
 
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