Technology @ MCS

PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING - CASE STUDY #1

 

Mousetrap Car

Since Henry Ford's Invention of the Model T in the early 1900's, vehicles have been developed and engineered to enhance their performance and satisfy human needs.  All vehicles require specific elements to be able to perform their duties.  

You will be given a bag of items.  Your objective is to design and construct a motorized vehicle, using only the items supplied.  You do not have to use all of the items supplied, but carefully consider all items before discarding any.  To begin this task you must first decide what the essential elements of a motorized vehicle are, and relate each element to the items you were given.  Brainstorm for ideas and develop your best design using AutoCAD. 

When you feel you have the best design, it must be printed and turned in for review before beginning the construction of your prototype. 

 

You will be graded based on the following criteria:

   Fastest Vehicle - You will compete against your classmates for the FASTEST VEHICLE on a 12" wide track.

   Farthest vehicle - You will compete against your classmates for the LONGEST TRAVELING vehicle on a 12" wide track. 

   Aesthetics - How well you built the prototype to your drawings.

 

You will be given the following items:

      

        (1) MOUSETRAP                            (1) 24" LENGTH OF STRING

        (2) CD OR DVD'S & SPINDALS          (1) WELDING ROD 1/8"x18"

        (1) PAPERCLIP                              (1) STICK OF HOT GLUE

        (2) WASHERS                                (2) EYE HOOKS

        (1) STRAW                                    (1) THREAD SPOOL

        (1) 1/4" x12" WOODEN DOWEL

    YOU CAN ONLY USE THE ITEMS SUPPLIED!!!

ALL DRAWINGS MUST BE COMPLETED BY FRIDAY 9/15/06

VEHICLE MUST BE CONSTRUCTED BY WEDNESDAY 9/20/06

TEST DAY WEDNESDAY 9/20/06

2 PAGE DESIGN REPORT DUE MONDAY 9/25/06