Mousetrap Car Project

Mousetrap Car Project1006ENG Design ProjectPresentation StructureDavidDesign CriteriaDesign ProcessTesting and CalculationsMohamedSummary of each designDesign ComparisonBrendanAnalysis of final designConstruction processSummary

Design CriteriaDesign CriteriaSymmetry Performance GoalsMousetrap is only form of propulsionStationary starting positionMay not hit the walls of the track

Vehicle is to travel along a straight 5-metre track3 seconds8 secondsProject TimeframeThe client specified a 4-week timeframe for the project

Design Process

Key Design ConsiderationsWheel size

Torque and the length of the mousetrap lever arm

Friction

Testing ProceduresRolling friction test

Sliding friction test

Mousetrap torque test

7Design 1Vehicle was relatively heavyDid not meet performance goalsRolling friction too high

Design 2Priority given to weight reductionRubber tread increased ground frictionTimber ruler used for lever arm

Design 3Axle weight reducedMetal washers replaced by plastic washersVehicle meets all design criteria

Design Comparison

Design Comparison

Analysis of Final DesignSimple, light-weight design

Capable of achieving performance goals

Failed to travel straight during final presentation

Causes of failure were analysed

Analysis of Final DesignProblems with consistency of performance

Minor modifications were made after the presentation to the client

Location of washers

Construction Of Final DesignSimple design

Easily reproducible

Low production cost, $5.49SummaryModifications to the vehicle made based on testing and calculations

3 vehicle designs were constructed and tested

Final vehicle design meets all design criteria

Vehicle completes 5-metre track:2.9 seconds8.2 seconds