Mousetrap powered boat!

[jacko]

This is a project of mine at the moment where the challenge is to convert the energy of the quick acting mousetrap into a mechanism that delivers slow propulsion to enable the boat to travel the longest distance. This will be achieved through gearing systems linked from an extended mousetrap arm to the propeller. Friction will need to be kept to a minimum. I will also need to consider hull design carefully to reduce drag.

If anyone has ever attempted a project similar to this your tips would be much appreciated, as would be advice on propeller and hull design.

Thanks

[Tim B]

The mouse-trap is basically just a torsional spring. It will release the same energy whether it moves quickly or slowly. The stored energy is dependant on position, not time.

Tim B.

[jacko]

Good point. Do you have any ideas on the positioning of the stored energy? How I can maximise this stored energy?

[Sean Herron]

Hello...

Officer I swear just bottles of two and the blue one went left...

See http://www.mousetrap-cars.com/mousetrap/k500df.htm - explore site...

Multihull - no ballast yet stable - no transmission gearing - one to one...

The other picture would be (slow but go) rip out the parrallel gearing transmission from one of those cars that you push across the floor to rev up against a fly wheel and then let go...

Big surface area and pitch prop - for maximum push and slowest expenditure of stored spring energy - look up what your pitch number means - inches of travel in one revolution...

Also see www.copernic.com...

Best of...

SH.

[Tim B]

you'll have to gear it or you'll only get 1/2 a turn. I would go for a high gear ratio (10 or greater (remember the mousetrap only moves through 180 degrees)) and then a nice big prop in the water.

Cheers,

Tim B.