Mousetrap Vehicle B

[chalker]

Can the extension bar be part of a Fishing rod? Can it be flexible or not?

general rule #2 likely applies: http://soinc.org/ethics_rules

[goodcheer]

Can the extension bar be part of a Fishing rod? Can it be flexible or not?

In my opinion it can be flexible. The rule that might concern you is 3.d which speaks of all the energy originating from the mousetraps. When the mousetraps release, they are pulling on the extension bar and the ext. bar pulls on the axle/wheels. All ext. bars will have some flex, but the flex on the bar gets there from the mousetraps. Thus, the kinetic energy that moves the vehicle originates from the mousetraps.

[fleet130]

Can the extension bar be part of a Fishing rod? Can it be flexible or not?

Of course it CAN, but the question is MAY it be used!

As noted by Chalker above, ALL extension bars have some degree of flexibility and therefore will store energy.

Note: The information below has no bearing on current rules and tournaments.

The simple answer is that the energy was transfered from the mousetrap to the fishing pole and was therefore within the rules.

The complete answer is more complex and it's possible it could violate the rules, so each case must be examined to determined whether or not it complies. The determining factor is whether ALL of the energy in the extension bar comes from the mousetrap. It's up to you to make the determination based on your understanding of energy use and transfer. Your conclusion will be judged at the competition. This forum is a good place to ask questions to further your understanding of the subject.

[Jbob27]

Thanks for the info

[stroudchick]

Would anyone like to share some of their ideas for breaking systems? I'm new to the building aspect!

[wlsguy]

Would anyone like to share some of their ideas for breaking systems? I'm new to the building aspect!

Go to youtube and search for videos by gadgetjim
You will find a video called scrambler braking system which is basically a wing nut style brake.

good luck

[stroudchick]

That helped a lot, thanks so much!!

[Beastybob12345]

Would anyone like to share some of their ideas for breaking systems? I'm new to the building aspect!

Go to youtube and search for videos by gadgetjim
You will find a video called scrambler braking system which is basically a wing nut style brake.

good luck

Yea, I used the wing nut style. It works very well. But our car went a little slow, so we got 5th at regionals...

[mousetrapfury]

Question: you can use two mousetraps, but you cannot modify the trigger. So, how can you hit both triggers at the same time with a pencil in the vertical position. Food for thought.

you dont need to if they are conected to the same rod it should also set off the other mousetrap

[rickyreports]

how heavy will the dow rod be this is very important to fine tune my device I got 1st at regionals when my mousetrap hit the spot dead on but then I learned how much the wight of the dow matters please help thanks