Mousetrap car won't roll on ground but will when being held

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the issue of mousetrap cars failing to roll on the ground despite functioning when held. Key factors affecting performance include friction in the wheel bearings, the length of the lever arm, the diameter of the shaft, and the size of the wheels. To improve performance, users are advised to reduce friction in the bearings and experiment with smaller diameter wheels or a shorter lever arm, which can enhance torque but may reduce distance traveled. The conversation highlights the importance of design considerations in optimizing mousetrap car functionality.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mousetrap car mechanics
  • Knowledge of friction and rolling resistance principles
  • Familiarity with torque and gearing concepts
  • Basic skills in mechanical design and experimentation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods to reduce friction in wheel bearings
  • Explore the impact of wheel diameter on torque and performance
  • Learn about lever arm length adjustments and their effects
  • Investigate different mousetrap car designs and their efficiencies
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for hobbyists, educators, and students interested in physics, engineering, and mechanical design, particularly those focused on building and optimizing mousetrap cars.

Shannia Petit-Homme
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I have made multiple mousetrap cars, and they've all have the same problem. They all have rolled when I held them however when I would put them on the ground they would not go. I think the problem may be a friction problem, however I'm not sure. I don't know what to do. Any advice/help would be greatly appreciated.
 
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It could be friction but it could also be the design. The length of the lever, the diameter of the shaft (that the string is wound on) and the diameter of the wheels all affect the gearing. The gearing affects how well the mouse trap spring can overcome friction in the wheel bearings and small bumps on the ground.

Try reducing friction on the bearings, then try either smaller diameter wheels or a shorter lever arm or larger diameter shaft. These will increase the torque at the wheels making it easier to get going, but at the expense of reducing the distance it will go.
 
Shannia Petit-Homme said:
mousetrap cars,
well that's something I have (in 60 years) never seen or heard of before !
 
When I was a kid we made them from cotton reels.
 
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CWatters said:
When I was a kid we made them from cotton reels.
Vaguely remember doing something with a cotton reel and a twisted up rubber band through the middle :smile:
 
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That's it. One end of the band was fixed to the reel, the other end went through a short length of wax candle with a hole through it to a popsicle stick.
 
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This question sounded very cruel. I had never heard the term before either. But there are clearly a lot of mousetrap car fans out there. Doc Fizzix is one. Now I see how it gets the name.
changing-gearing-m3.jpg

How to build: here.
 

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Shannia Petit-Homme said:
may be a friction problem,
Or a rolling resistance problem.

There are different designs. Please post a diagram, or a very good description, of yours.
 

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