This was the first project when we started working in groups. We were randomly assigned to groups of four and given a tool box with random materials and basic hand tools inside. The goal of this project was to design and construct a beam using thin wood found at craft stores that could handle a load of 250lbs while deflecting less than 1/8". We were given a few basic formulas and were shown a few examples and sent on our way.
We could only use the glue supplied in the kit and the beam had to be 24" long to fit on the rig. The beam also had to be symmetrical about the X and Y axis which limited us to I, H and box beams.
We chose a box beam and when we went to Hobby Lobby the wood size we needed, they were currently out of. So armed with a store calculator and some scratch paper we redesigned our beam sitting in the floor of the store to figure out what wood we could get.
Success. We were able to hold close to 300lbs before deflecting 1/8". Our beam also came in under weight which gained us extra points.
Hazardous Waste Transporter
The last project for the class was the Hazardous Waste Transporter, which in all honesty transported water. Once again, we could only use the materials supplied in the toolbox and each part was assigned a certain value. The car had to transport the "waste" 30 feet without spilling and could not be moved once it left the hands of the operator.
After some thought with using supplied electric motors, mouse traps and various other odds and ends we decided to use the mouse trap as our power source.
We built the container into the chassis of the rig so that it would be fixed and it would not have any way to fall of the car. We used CD's for wheels due to their larger diameter which gave us more distance per rotation of the axle.
We attached the string to the mouse trap arm and wound it around the rear axle, however that alone did not give us enough torque. To get more torque, get a longer arm... so that’s what we did. We attached a dowel rod to the mouse trap arm and then attached the string to the end of the rod. Also to help pull the mouse trap we attached a rubber band around the arm of the mouse trap and ran it around the front of the chassis to help pull the arm down. We referred to this as our "Super Charger".
Once again we succeeded and were able to get our car to stop on the mark each and every time we ran it!
