Rube Goldberg Machine: Tips and Ideas to Get Started

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on creating a Rube Goldberg machine, with participants sharing essential tips and ideas for beginners. Key suggestions include defining a specific end-result for the machine, such as squeezing toothpaste or watering a plant, and utilizing simple mechanisms like pulleys, gears, and motors. Resources for purchasing components include websites like All Electronics and Surplus Center. The discussion emphasizes the importance of outlining ideas and consulting additional teachers for guidance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of mechanical systems and simple machines
  • Familiarity with pneumatic and hydraulic systems
  • Knowledge of electrical wiring and basic electricity
  • Ability to outline and organize project ideas effectively
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to build and implement pulleys and gears in mechanical projects
  • Learn about pneumatic systems and their applications in small-scale projects
  • Explore online resources for purchasing electronic components, such as All Electronics and Surplus Center
  • Study basic electricity principles to understand wiring and circuit design
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students, hobbyists, and educators interested in engineering, mechanical design, and creative problem-solving through Rube Goldberg machines.

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Hey everybody. I am starting this seemingly impossible and hard project of making a rube goldberg machine. Can anyone give me helpful tips and ideas on how to start it? and perhaps provide examples?
 
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simplemachine said:
Hey everybody. I am starting this seemingly impossible and hard project of making a rube goldberg machine. Can anyone give me helpful tips and ideas on how to start it? and perhaps provide examples?

Please provide the context and some background. We are not in the habit of doing your school project work for you here.
 
berkeman said:
Please provide the context and some background. We are not in the habit of doing your school project work for you here.

This is my first time to make a rube-goldberg machine and am having trouble in coming up with ideas and ways to perform tasks like:
-a motor powered shaft that moves a mass for 10sec (I was thinking of like those baggage centers in the airport, but have no clue on how to do it)
-actvitating a pneumatic/hydraulics in an enclosed system (which i clearly have no clue how to do and this is probably the hardest of my tasks)
If yu could give me simple tips on how to make a rube-goldberg machine (like how to make pulleys, and how to make use of electrical wires and tubes)
I know this sounds like a lot of rambling, I have all these ideas in my head but have no clue on how to do them, but I would really appreciate your help.
This is my very first goldberg machine and my teacher isn't really helping me make this very much. I want to do good on it and actually understand how to make one.
 
simplemachine said:
This is my first time to make a rube-goldberg machine and am having trouble in coming up with ideas and ways to perform tasks like:
-a motor powered shaft that moves a mass for 10sec (I was thinking of like those baggage centers in the airport, but have no clue on how to do it)
-actvitating a pneumatic/hydraulics in an enclosed system (which i clearly have no clue how to do and this is probably the hardest of my tasks)
If yu could give me simple tips on how to make a rube-goldberg machine (like how to make pulleys, and how to make use of electrical wires and tubes)
I know this sounds like a lot of rambling, I have all these ideas in my head but have no clue on how to do them, but I would really appreciate your help.
This is my very first goldberg machine and my teacher isn't really helping me make this very much. I want to do good on it and actually understand how to make one.



How can you be given an assignment that you have "no clue" how to do? Could I please have your professor's e-mail address and name so that I can complain about his teaching skills?
 
simplemachine said:
This is my first time to make a rube-goldberg machine and am having trouble in coming up with ideas and ways to perform tasks like:
Classic Rube Goldberg mechanisms perform very mundane tasks using excessively complicated methods. Your first step is to decide what end-result you need to accomplish. For example, squeezing toothpaste onto a toothbrush, or watering a plant.
-a motor powered shaft that moves a mass for 10sec (I was thinking of like those baggage centers in the airport, but have no clue on how to do it)
Ever seen a record player?
-actvitating a pneumatic/hydraulics in an enclosed system (which i clearly have no clue how to do and this is probably the hardest of my tasks)
Pneumatics = gas (usually air); Hydraulics = liquid (usually oil).
Pneumatics are vastly easier to implement on a small scale.
If yu could give me simple tips on how to make a rube-goldberg machine (like how to make pulleys
Pulleys, gears, belts, motors and such things are available inexpensively from many surplus vendors. Most cities have at least one electronics/industrial surplus store. Of course, there are plenty of online sources, for example:
http://www.allelectronics.com/
http://www.goldmine-elec.com/
http://www.herbach.com/
http://www.surpluscenter.com/
, and how to make use of electrical wires and tubes)
Just Google http://www.google.com/search?q="basic+electricity"" are a whole 'nother beast. If you don't know basic electricity, don't even think about tubes.
I know this sounds like a lot of rambling, I have all these ideas in my head but have no clue on how to do them, but I would really appreciate your help.
Write out your ideas in outline form. I find it is easier to keep track of what I want to do.
(I use my Palm PDA, keeping it sync'd with my work and home PCs, so my idea/project outlines are always handy, and up to date.)
This is my very first goldberg machine and my teacher isn't really helping me make this very much. I want to do good on it and actually understand how to make one.
If your teacher isn't helping, consult a different teacher.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
pantaz said:
Classic Rube Goldberg mechanisms perform very mundane tasks using excessively complicated methods. Your first step is to decide what end-result you need to accomplish. For example, squeezing toothpaste onto a toothbrush, or watering a plant.

Ever seen a record player?

Pneumatics = gas (usually air); Hydraulics = liquid (usually oil).
Pneumatics are vastly easier to implement on a small scale.

Pulleys, gears, belts, motors and such things are available inexpensively from many surplus vendors. Most cities have at least one electronics/industrial surplus store. Of course, there are plenty of online sources, for example:
http://www.allelectronics.com/
http://www.goldmine-elec.com/
http://www.herbach.com/
http://www.surpluscenter.com/

Just Google http://www.google.com/search?q="basic+electricity"" are a whole 'nother beast. If you don't know basic electricity, don't even think about tubes.

Write out your ideas in outline form. I find it is easier to keep track of what I want to do.
(I use my Palm PDA, keeping it sync'd with my work and home PCs, so my idea/project outlines are always handy, and up to date.)

If your teacher isn't helping, consult a different teacher.
Pantaz: Thank you so much for your helpful reply. I now have an idea of what I'm doing and should do.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Remember that it isn't a real Goldberg device unless it involves a parrot, a teakettle, a piece of toast, or a window blind (preferably all 4). :wink:
 

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