How can we maximize energy storage for a pullback mechanism vehicle?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around maximizing energy storage for a pullback mechanism vehicle designed for a competitive project. Participants explore various energy storage methods and mechanical designs to enhance the vehicle's distance traveled after a 1-meter pullback, while adhering to specific constraints regarding energy input and adjustments.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Gary outlines the project goals, emphasizing the need to store energy effectively from a 1-meter pullback and achieve maximum distance, with a maximum speed of 4 m/s.
  • Some participants inquire about the focus on speed versus distance, confirming that the priority is distance.
  • There is a suggestion to consider energy storage methods that release energy incrementally for better distance, referencing Da Vinci's self-propelled cart.
  • Questions arise regarding the vehicle's size and turning capabilities, which could influence design choices.
  • One participant proposes a system involving a spindle and a dropping weight, suggesting that raising a mass during the pullback could convert potential energy into rotational energy for the wheels.
  • Another participant challenges the idea of using a dropping weight, arguing that a steady release of energy might be more effective than a single impulse.
  • Further clarification is provided on how a properly geared system could allow for a gradual release of energy from the mass, potentially optimizing the vehicle's acceleration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the best method for energy storage and release, with no consensus reached on whether a steady release or a single impulse is more effective for maximizing distance.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the implications of vehicle size, turning capabilities, or structural stability on energy storage methods, leaving these aspects unresolved.

Gary1990
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Hey all,

Our team is currently working on a project which contains the pullback mechanism like the ones you find in toys. We are competing against other teams and have a fun match at the end.
The idea is to pull or push the vehicle back 1 meter and store as much as possible energy.
We only have 30 seconds after the push/pullback to adjust the vehicle but it is not allowed to store extra energy other than the energy you stored from the 1 meter push/pullback. After releasing the energy (when the vehicle starts riding) its also not possible for the rider to add extra energy (e.g. moving back and forth to steal extra lenght)
The goal is to store as much energy as possible to get a great deal of traveling distance.
We have several ideas about the construction and the energy storage (we are planning to use springs of a special composite)
We have calculated that if we are to push the vehicle back with a force of 800N, we can only reach the maximum speed of 4 meters per second with the energy we put in to.
A few members are currently working on the wheels because we need to watch out for slipping while pushing/pulling back or while riding.
We have a low budget of 150 euro's.. we are trying to find some sponsors to realize our project.
I was interested in what ideas others may bring in. So if you have any ideas about this vehicle or sponsors, feel free to reply.

Greetings,

Gary
 
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Are you going for speed or distance?
 
We are going for distance. Speed is irrelevant. We just calculated that our maximum speed would be around 4 m/s.
 
What kind of energy storage are you thinking of?

For the best distance you want the energy to be released incrementally and at a steady pace. As soon as I saw this I thought of Da Vinchis self propelled cart.
 
Gary1990 said:
We are going for distance. Speed is irrelevant. We just calculated that our maximum speed would be around 4 m/s.

How big is the vehicle going to be?
Does it have to turn?

Depending on scale, I think I'd be looking for a system with a spindle and a dropping weight.
 
NateTG said:
Depending on scale, I think I'd be looking for a system with a spindle and a dropping weight.

That's exactly what first came to my mind. Essentially you have your wheels connected via belt/chain to a mass. As you push the car back, it raises the mass. When letting go the potential energy of the mass is converted to rotational acceleration of the wheels.

The only limiting factor is structurally supporting the mass, stability, etc. However, that's trading off for potentially storing as much energy as needed (to beat the others).
 
Wouldnt a steady release of energy get them further than a single impulse from a dropping weight?
 
Well, you wouldn't get an impulse from dropping a weight if its geared correctly. Basically, you have the shafts and wheels tuned such that the force from the mass is 'just' enough to accelerate the wheels.

Let the mass drop slowly generating a lot of rotational energy.
 

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