Mouse Trap Powered Car Competition

 

VEHICLE: 

You will design, build, and test a mousetrap car.  The only source of energy for the car will come from one standard “Victor” brand type mouse trap.  The car will start by the normal mechanism of the mousetrap.  This mouse trap mechanism must not be altered.

Parts will not be provided but may be purchased at a hardware, hobby or craft store or online at places like http://www.docfizzix.com/doc_fizzix_products.htm  Remember that purchasing something online may take weeks to get in.  Always call or ask for next day shipping on these things.

Your main parts would normally consist of wheels, axles, string, and a small board for assembly.  Hot glue has worked in the past for attachment but can present problems.  You will need to supply your own hot glue.  Hints:  Old CD’s could be used as wheels.  Coat hangers could be used for axles.  Eye screws or small straws could be used for axle attachment.  Thread spools could be used for pulleys. You are limited only by your imagination. Here is a search link for you to follow for ideas.

JUDGING:

Vehicles will be judged on the following:

1. Elapsed time
2. Longest distance run.

c.   Scoring Formula:  For a 90% the vehicle must travel from behind the baseline to the front of the free-throw line of a standard basketball court.  For the remaining 10 percent students will be assessed on the formula of 10 points per meter traveled minus one point per second elapsed time.  The highest score will be given a 10 percent increase for a total and and all other scores adjusted accordingly.  A score of 60 percent will be given for vehicles that conform to the structural parameters below and negotiate a 15 degree incline.   60 to 90 percent will be based on a percentage of distance traveled from the baseline to the free throw line and added to 60 percent.  A spreadsheet will be used to determine the final percentage grade.

PROCEDURE:

Each car will be allowed three trials at each event. Restarts will only be permitted when there is 1. human interference or when 2. the car does not start in a forward direction. Cars may not be modified between events.

Students will collect data and plot a position-time graph with at least 5 data points.

RULES:

1. Normal tripping of the mousetrap mechanism must start the mousetrap car.  Pushing or pulling on the vehicle will be grounds for disqualification.
2. The spring of the mousetrap must be the only source of energy.
3. The mousetrap spring cannot travel more than its normal 180 degrees of arc.
4. The mousetrap spring cannot be chemically or thermally treated.
5. Cars will be subject to inspection before each run and failure to comply with the above rules will be grounds for disqualification.
6. Oil-based lubricants may not lubricate axles.

 

Completion Date:  TBA   _______________________________________

 

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