Mousetrap Vehicle C

[Paradox21]

I was just wanting a clarification on the rules. The rules have restrictions on the wheel base, but they did not mention anything about an arm attached to the kill-bar. Are there any limitations on how long any arm attached to the bar can be?

There is no rule limiting the length of the arm. But there are probably some practical limits. If it is too long it will bend a lot (depending on the material) and you will lose a lot of the energy from your traps. Also, too long and it weighs your vehicle down. A good alternative is to adjust your axle to wheel ratio.

[packer-backer91]

there is one limitation in the rules the arm may not come in contact with the floor at anytime [that would be one long/weak lever arm anyway]. So if the arm extends out of either side of the vehicle it may not touch the floor or it will be in violation and not scored [not sure what tier]

[9enigma6]

Okay, thanks . I'll try the bigger wheels as well and a slightly longer arm. Just having a 20 cm bar with CD's for wheels wasn't working so well for distance.

[packer-backer91]

would anyone like to give away how long it takes their vehicle to travel out and back? my vehicle is 75% done and would like to know how my vehicle compares. This year the inv my school goes to got cancelled and my regional’s is bad I needed to know how competitive my vehicle is going to be.

[cbrad87]

I have been building my vehicle and am using two mouse traps both on one axle. I am reversing it by wrapping it around a pin on the axle. The problem I am having is that the mousetrap arm has gone all the way before it has time to go the distance and reverse. If you guys have any tips it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[winneratlife]

I have been building my vehicle and am using two mouse traps both on one axle. I am reversing it by wrapping it around a pin on the axle. The problem I am having is that the mousetrap arm has gone all the way before it has time to go the distance and reverse. If you guys have any tips it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Attach a bar to mousetrap to extend the length of the killbar, the event is pretty much impossible without this. Also, you should try to attain a smaller wheel/axle radius ratio (bigger wheels, smaller axles).

[packer-backer91]

I have been building my vehicle and am using two mouse traps both on one axle. I am reversing it by wrapping it around a pin on the axle. The problem I am having is that the mousetrap arm has gone all the way before it has time to go the distance and reverse. If you guys have any tips it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Attach a bar to mousetrap to extend the length of the killbar, the event is pretty much impossible without this. Also, you should try to attain a smaller wheel/axle radius ratio (bigger wheels, smaller axles).

Very true I found out this the hard way, I calculated that I need 126in of string to pull the vehicle the 14meters of travel. Until today I thought that this would be very possible but I was way off . Right now My team is VERY far behind we don’t even have a working vehicle [just not enough rod to string to pull the vehicle]. Also what size axel does every one use?

[winneratlife]

I have been building my vehicle and am using two mouse traps both on one axle. I am reversing it by wrapping it around a pin on the axle. The problem I am having is that the mousetrap arm has gone all the way before it has time to go the distance and reverse. If you guys have any tips it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Attach a bar to mousetrap to extend the length of the killbar, the event is pretty much impossible without this. Also, you should try to attain a smaller wheel/axle radius ratio (bigger wheels, smaller axles).

Very true I found out this the hard way, I calculated that I need 126in of string to pull the vehicle the 14meters of travel. Until today I thought that this would be very possible but I was way off . Right now My team is VERY far behind we don’t even have a working vehicle [just not enough rod to string to pull the vehicle]. Also what size axel does every one use?

I believe my axle is like 1 cm diameter? (Not sure.)
And with CD wheels, I found the length of the bar manageable.
One hint though... Make sure the string is really tight when the run is over; too much slack can cause you to overshoot on the way back...

EDIT: Wow, I just found out I'm helping an in-state competitor. Totally against my morals... Oh well, I'm in a good mood

[binary010101]

Does it help to put friction tape on your car (wheels, axles, etcetera)?

[winneratlife]

Does it help to put friction tape on your car (wheels, axles, etcetera)?

Friction on axles is bad. It slows down the car, which is bad.
It can add traction to wheels, but I managed fine without (I used CDs)