Self-contained Egg-moving Device

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics project requiring the construction of a self-contained egg-moving device powered by falling masses. Participants explore various ideas and approaches for the design and functionality of the device, including how to pick up and drop an egg while adhering to project constraints.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using a string attached to the rear axle and a pulley with a weight to propel the device.
  • Concerns are raised about how to effectively lower the egg from the height of the paint can and drop it onto a 2"x4".
  • Another participant hints at different methods to utilize the energy from a falling mass, depending on the project rules.
  • There is a discussion about the implications of the project rule prohibiting the use of motors, with some participants questioning the necessity of this restriction.
  • One participant proposes that as long as the device is initially powered by a falling mass, other forms of energy conversion may be permissible.
  • There is mention of using microcontrollers and supercapacitors for energy storage and conversion, although one participant expresses a lack of experience with such technology.
  • Another participant indicates they have experience with motors but feels overwhelmed by the concepts of energy conversion and storage.
  • Questions arise about the possibility of partnering with someone for the project, but it is confirmed that the project must be completed individually.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of project rules, particularly regarding the use of motors and energy conversion methods. There is no consensus on the best approach to take for the project, and various ideas remain under consideration.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific project rules beyond the prohibition of motors, leading to uncertainty about the allowed methods of energy conversion and the overall design constraints.

Joseph Zambri
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Homework Statement


I have a project for physics that requires me to construct a self-contained egg moving device, that must use falling masses to power it. It must move itself 1.5m, then pick up an egg (in an egg cup holder) off of a standard sized paint can, then move another meter and drop the egg off onto a 2"x4".

Homework Equations


I don't actually HAVE to use any equations, I just have to build the device and explain it.

The Attempt at a Solution


I am still in the brain storming stage, and am just looking for helpful ideas before making a decision on what I'm going to build. I was thinking of just attaching a string to the rear axle and then to a pulley on a tower with a weight that when dropped will propel it. My main concern is taking the egg from the height of the can and lowering it, and then dropping it off on the 2"x4". Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for taking the time to try and help.
 
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Joseph Zambri said:

Homework Statement


I have a project for physics that requires me to construct a self-contained egg moving device, that must use falling masses to power it. It must move itself 1.5m, then pick up an egg (in an egg cup holder) off of a standard sized paint can, then move another meter and drop the egg off onto a 2"x4".

Homework Equations


I don't actually HAVE to use any equations, I just have to build the device and explain it.

The Attempt at a Solution


I am still in the brain storming stage, and am just looking for helpful ideas before making a decision on what I'm going to build. I was thinking of just attaching a string to the rear axle and then to a pulley on a tower with a weight that when dropped will propel it. My main concern is taking the egg from the height of the can and lowering it, and then dropping it off on the 2"x4". Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for taking the time to try and help.
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

I have a very elegant solution, but it would depend on the exact rules for the contest. Can you post the exact, full project rules?

Hint -- There are different ways to use the energy supplied from a falling mass...
 
There weren't many rules included in the project, except the ones I've already mentioned and that we are not allowed to use a motor. There was a diagram though, and I've included that along with this.
 

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Joseph Zambri said:
There weren't many rules included in the project, except the ones I've already mentioned and that we are not allowed to use a motor. There was a diagram though, and I've included that along with this.
What do you mean by "no motor"? If there is no energy storage other than an elevated weight to start, why would they care how you convert that stored gravitational potential energy (GPE)?
 
I believe that if if it is initially powered with the falling mass, I can do whatever I want with the power. I just cannot start it with a motor. What did you have in mind?
 
Joseph Zambri said:
I believe that if if it is initially powered with the falling mass, I can do whatever I want with the power. I just cannot start it with a motor. What did you have in mind?
Have you worked with microcontrollers (uCs) like the Arduino? Do you have any experience with small electric motors?

If you could efficiently convert the energy of a suspended mass (think bowling ball starting about a meter off the ground) into stored electrical energy on a Supercapacitor, what could you do with it to make this project work really well? :smile:
 
I don't have any experience with microcontrollers at all. This is my first physics class in high school, so a lot of this energy conversion and storage stuff seems really cool, but WAY over my head, haha. I do know motors fairly well though, but other than that I'm not sure I could work with much else.
 
Joseph Zambri said:
I don't have any experience with microcontrollers at all. This is my first physics class in high school, so a lot of this energy conversion and storage stuff seems really cool, but WAY over my head, haha. I do know motors fairly well though, but other than that I'm not sure I could work with much else.
Can you partner with anybody for this project? Or is it totally an individual project?
 
Unfortunately it is completely individual .
 

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