Define A Problem
The combinations of simple machines that we used were built for one purpose. It was to flip a simple light switch on and off. The purpose of the project is to learn how to make a compound machine and how to calculate the mechanical advantages of the machine. The main constraint is that you can only have one human interaction with the machine such as turning a wheel and axle like we are doing.
Generating Concepts
Brainstorming ideas.
Develop A Solution
Construct and Test Prototype
Evaluate Solution
We encountered many issues during the build process. First of all we had a general idea of where we were going to put the simple machines on the plate. So throughout the whole process we had to move it a couple times. The next issue we encountered was aligning the gear with the lever. Simple problem so it was fixed pretty easily. The next major issue we had was stabilization. Our lever would lean down causing more friction. Lowering our mechanical advantage. I mean it was already below one but it lowered it even more. The first idea we had was to use little metal cylinders with screws and a long frame. It did the job but them miss Zienty said to use these black things and it was better so we had to scrap the first idea and use hers. The next thing was how we were going to use the lever. The first idea we had was to put the light switch between the stapler shape but that didn't work out like we wanted it to. So we had to go with the caveman idea of just making the lever go all the way around and smack it on and off.
Our calculations in step 3 were some what was close to what we actually got. Both the ideal mechanical advantage and the actual mechanical advantage were both below 1. So we didn't pass Miss Zienty's requirement but at least it functioned and completed the task. You could also tell from actually operating the simple machine because the wheel and axle was hard to turn.
Our calculations in step 3 were some what was close to what we actually got. Both the ideal mechanical advantage and the actual mechanical advantage were both below 1. So we didn't pass Miss Zienty's requirement but at least it functioned and completed the task. You could also tell from actually operating the simple machine because the wheel and axle was hard to turn.
Present Solution
compoundmachine.3gp | |
File Size: | 105 kb |
File Type: | 3gp |
My experience this time using vex and simple machines was fairly good. We got a general idea of what to do and that was good. This made us have more time to get stuff built and experiment. We encountered a lot of problems. The main problem was getting thing stable. Other than that the only other problems was figuring how it was going to work. One of the skills i learned was to make it a habit of putting stabilizers on everything. Even if it took longer. In the long run it is worth it. In total it was alright. Definitely could have been better but it was definitely good practice.
Conclusion
1.) The easiest mechanical advantage to find was the gear ratio since it was just counting teeth and dividing the output by the input.
2.) The hardest one was probably the 3rd class lever since we had to figure out what class it was and the lengths.
3.) For every value input, the result would be about a 1/3rd output. When friction is accounted it would go down to a 1/4th output.
4.) The biggest thing we could have done to make it more mechanically efficient was probably to put a counterweight on the lever. The reason os is because all the weight is at the end making it lean down which is creating more friction. We could have also put another idle gear to make it run smoother
2.) The hardest one was probably the 3rd class lever since we had to figure out what class it was and the lengths.
3.) For every value input, the result would be about a 1/3rd output. When friction is accounted it would go down to a 1/4th output.
4.) The biggest thing we could have done to make it more mechanically efficient was probably to put a counterweight on the lever. The reason os is because all the weight is at the end making it lean down which is creating more friction. We could have also put another idle gear to make it run smoother