Designing a Vehicle Powered by One Rubber Band to Transport an Egg

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around designing a vehicle powered solely by a single rubber band to transport an egg over the greatest horizontal distance without breaking it. The constraints include no rotating parts and the use of basic materials, with the vehicle being launched from a catapult anchored to the ground.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a need for help in designing the vehicle under specific constraints.
  • Another participant criticizes repeated postings, suggesting it may deter assistance.
  • A participant questions the feasibility of creating a vehicle without rotating parts.
  • Another participant humorously references the Saturn V rocket, questioning its relevance to the task.
  • One suggestion involves using a slingshot mechanism with a couch cushion for landing.
  • A participant proposes using short runners to minimize friction, suggesting materials like paper clips and the addition of vertical fins for stability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of a vehicle without rotating parts, and there is no consensus on the best design approach. Suggestions vary widely, indicating multiple competing ideas.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the implications of the constraints, such as the definition of a "vehicle" without rotating parts and the effectiveness of proposed materials and designs.

satish87
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i need some help.

i am supposed to design a vehicle that is powered only by one standard rubber band to transport an egg to the greatest possible horizontal displacement without breaking the egg.


the vehicle can't have any rotating parts.
must be constructed from basic parts (ie not components from a toy)
the vehicle is to be launched using a catapult using one standard rubberband. (which can be cut if needed)
the catapult must be anchored to the ground

all feedback is greatly appreciated.

thx...
 
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Stop posting the same thread over and over. It shouldn't be hard to figure out that it doesn't do you any good: We are less inclined to help annoying people.
 
I cannot think of any 'vehicle' that doesn't have rotating parts. !
 
DePurpereWolf said:
I cannot think of any 'vehicle' that doesn't have rotating parts. !

Saturn 5 ...
 
Now, where would the standard rubberband come into play in a Saturn V?

Apart from it being a very, how to put it, complicated and dangerous way of transporting eggs.
 
How about a slingshot with a couch cushion at the landing spot?
 
I'd look into using 3 or 4 short runners like skates to minimize friction, built onto a wide-stance box to hold the egg. Something like paper clips glued on edge-wise might do it. Then just put a nock like the back of an arrow on the rear section for the elastic to push against. Maybe a couple of vertical fins would help keep it going straight.
 

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