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physicscar's Introduction

PhysicsCar

A simple, low friction, 3-wheel car powered by mousetrap (or other stuff) for teaching physics concepts.

Created using FreeCAD. STL files are exported from FreeCAD.

Parts

List of 3d printed parts

File Description Print instructions
clamp Clamps pull rod onto mousetrap Print, cut apart in the middle for two halves
crossmember middle crossmember for front and rear frame dowels Print 1x
crossmember_front narrow crossmember for front part of frame Print 1x
crossmember_rear (optional) narrow crossmember for rear part of frame Print 1x
drive_flange attaches each side of drive wheel Print 2x
drive_wheel a wider wheel for stability and traction Print 1x
hub holds axles/wheels in place Print 4x
pull_end add to end of pull rod, has loop to tie fishing wire Print 1x
rod_end slips on to frame ends, with hole for axle Print 4x with full support
trap mount Mounts the mousetrap offset in the frame to center pull rod see below
trap_mount_A Mounts the mousetrap on the front of the frame Print 1x
trap_mount_B Mounts the mousetrap on the rear of the frame Print 1x
wheel Low friction, low mass rear wheels Print 2x

Additional parts

In addition to the following 3d printed parts, you'll need:

  • (4) 4.8mm x 30cm (3/16" x 11-7/8") wood dowels
  • (1) 1.95mm x 915mm (0.078" x 36") piano wire
  • (8) #6 x 1/2" wood screws
  • (2) #6 x 1" machine screws
  • (2) #6 machine nuts (nylock or use Loctite blue)
  • (1) length of fishing wire, >= 6lb test
  • (1) standard mousetrap e.g., Victor

Assembly

Tools needed

  • Safety goggles
  • Ear plugs if using power tools
  • Something to cut steel piano wire - Dremel with cutoff wheel, file to nick and pliers to bend back and forth and break
  • Screwdriver(s) for #6 hardware
  • Wrench for #6 nuts
  • Knife or scissors to cut clamp apart

Frame

  • Push two rods into front crossmember about halfway.
  • Push other end of these two rods into the inner holes of the middle crossmember just enough so their ends are flush with the other side of the crossmember.
  • Push two new rods into the outer holes of the middle crossmember just enough so their ends are flush with the other side of the crossmember.
  • Push front trap mount onto rear rods
  • Insert trap into front trap mount so, when sprung, arm is to the rear.
  • Push rear trap mount onto rear rods and push onto rear of trap
  • Push rear crossmember onto rods a few inches
  • Push the rod ends onto ends of each rod

Wheels

  • Insert wire, which will become rear axle, into rear rod end holes
  • Push rear wheels, hub inboard, onto each axle end
  • Push hub onto each end of the axle. Adjust for stable, low friction spin
  • Trim axle length
  • Use #6 wood screws to attach drive flanges to drive wheel
  • Hold drive wheel/flanges in between front rod ends
  • Push another wire through one rod end, through drive wheel, and through other rod end.
  • Push hub onto each end of the axle. Adjust for stable, low friction spin
  • Trim axle length

Pull rod

  • Cut clamp tab off, separating each half of the clamp
  • Use the #6 machine screws and nuts to loosely attach clamp onto the mouse trap arm
  • Insert pull rod into clamp
  • Insert pull rod end onto end of pull rod
  • Tie fishing wire onto pull rod end with a strong knot that won't pull loose
  • Attach fishing line to drive flange.
  • Rotate drive wheel to spool up fishing line and hold it to keep from rotating
  • Place on ground, release drive wheel, and zoom! :)

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