Getting a Mouse Trap Car to Move

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter rosie_w
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the construction and functionality of a mouse trap car, specifically addressing issues related to the movement of the wheels when the mousetrap is triggered. Participants explore various mechanisms and attachments that could facilitate movement and distance traveled.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the current attachment method of the mousetrap to the wheels, suggesting that understanding the setup is crucial for providing advice.
  • Another participant proposes looking at mechanisms similar to a music box, indicating that a spring-loaded system could provide a consistent speed for the vehicle.
  • A request for clarification on the intended speed and distance goals of the project is made, indicating that different designs may yield different results.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus, as multiple approaches and ideas are being discussed without a clear resolution on the best method to achieve movement.

Contextual Notes

Details regarding the specific design and configuration of the mouse trap car are limited, and assumptions about the mechanics involved remain unverified.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in mechanical engineering projects, physics students working on practical applications, or hobbyists exploring simple machines may find this discussion relevant.

rosie_w
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Hey, I need to make a mouse trap car, and we have the base, wheels and axel and mousetrap all put together but for some reason we can't get the wheels to move with the snap of the mouse trap. Any ideas on what to attach to the mousetrap and the car itself to make it work, and travel a fair distance?
 
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Welcome to PF Rosie!

How is it currently attached? Is the bar of the mousetrap attached to the wheels in any way? A "friend of a friend" of mine recently did a project like this, and there are several ways to approach it, but we'd need to know how you've got it set up at the moment, and what your ideas are before we could tell you much.
 
Try looking at a music box i.e. spring loaded gears turning a wheel. I am picturing a vehicle with a fairly constant and sustainable speed. Is this what you are going for?
 
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