ZIPLINE PROJECT, make object travel 7.4 meters and back on a horizontal zipline

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on creating a mechanical object that travels 7.4 meters along a horizontal zipline and returns 0.4 meters to the starting point without using electric power. Participants suggest various mechanical energy sources, including clockwork springs, compressed air bottles, and model rocket motors, while emphasizing the need for a trigger mechanism to facilitate the return journey. The constraints include a maximum weight of 2 kg and a budget of $50, which necessitates innovative yet cost-effective solutions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mechanical energy sources such as springs and compressed air systems
  • Knowledge of trigger mechanisms for mechanical devices
  • Familiarity with basic physics principles related to motion and energy transfer
  • Experience with low-cost materials suitable for mechanical projects
NEXT STEPS
  • Research mechanical energy storage methods, focusing on clockwork springs and compressed air systems
  • Explore trigger mechanisms that can activate a return motion after reaching the endpoint
  • Investigate the use of model rocket motors for controlled propulsion in mechanical projects
  • Learn about weight distribution and balance techniques to optimize the object's movement
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for mechanical engineers, hobbyists in robotics, and students working on physics projects that involve mechanical motion and energy transfer without electrical components.

ziplinegirls
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HELP PLEASE!

I have to create an object that will travel a straight, horizontal zipline of 7.4 meters, and then travel back .4 meters to the starting point.. The object has to be all mechanical (no electric power source) and can't weigh more than 2 kg. It also has to be pretty cheap ($50) to make/acquire. I don't have many ideas at the moment, except maybe using a balloon to propel it for one way. I don't know how I can make sure the object travels back to the starting point. I was thinking of using a spring to make it bounce back when it hits the wall after the 7.4 meter mark, but I don't think the spring will provide enough force for it to come all the way back. The object also has to be able to carry a set amount of weight on it for maximum points achieved.
Any help, ideas will be much appreciated! Thanks in advance.

:)
 
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ziplinegirls said:
HELP PLEASE!

I have to create an object that will travel a straight, horizontal zipline of 7.4 meters, and then travel back .4 meters to the starting point.. The object has to be all mechanical (no electric power source) and can't weigh more than 2 kg. It also has to be pretty cheap ($50) to make/acquire. I don't have many ideas at the moment, except maybe using a balloon to propel it for one way. I don't know how I can make sure the object travels back to the starting point. I was thinking of using a spring to make it bounce back when it hits the wall after the 7.4 meter mark, but I don't think the spring will provide enough force for it to come all the way back. The object also has to be able to carry a set amount of weight on it for maximum points achieved.
Any help, ideas will be much appreciated! Thanks in advance.

:)
4.5 lbs and $50 is a pretty tight budget. Let's see what you have to work with.

"a straight, horizontal zip-line ...and then travel back ...to the starting point" - so you don't get to trade any vertical heigth for energy.

The operation will require an energy source - both directions. Electric is not available. Is stored mechanical energy available? Clockwork spring, linear compressed sprng, compressed air bottle, little CO2 cartridges, dropping weight - anything like these?. Do you get to launch it? Or do you just set is on the zip-line and turn it on?

ice
 
hey , yea we can use springs, compressed air bottles, idk about CO2 cartirdges, probably not though. we can use pulleys, wieghts too.
 
Now you will need a trigger. When the Rube Goldberg hits the end-of-the line - a trigger switches over to the driving the other direction. Hummm ... still sounds expensive.

How about two model rocket motors? Fuse the second one long enough to not light until after the contraption hits the end-of-line - a several second delay wouldn't hurt anything.

ice
 
How about this system on a table using weights? Seems easy enough, start it by knocking the weight on one end off, and balance the weight on the other end of the table so a slight push will knock it off.

http://imgur.com/3EFtO
 
no we cannot use motors or the table mass system
 
What is the extra mass it must carry and is there a time limit?
 

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