Wheeled Vehicle B

[chalker]

The mousetrap is made out of wood, but it has a metal spring. Do you think that matters?

It absolutely matters. Think about it this way, does the energy come from the wooden part of the metal part? Obviously the metal spring is the important part of the mousetrap.

[Can_Of_Tuna]

Ugh.... I didn't know we couldn't use mousetraps...
My area's regionals is less than a week away.
As for a replacement, surgical tubing is elastic, right?

[bernard]

This question was posted under General Chat.

I may be the densest (quite possible) but I see mousetraps being used to power the vehicles, but can someone clear up the "stored in a non-metallic elastic device" yet "metallic parts attached to the elastic are allowed provided they do not provide energy to the vehicle"???

Since you are a new member, please be advised that Scioly.org is not the place for official FAQs. Official FAQs are only on the official Science Olympiad website here, where you can submit your own questions.

Since mousetraps use the potential energy from the spring to power the car, the launch energy is stored in and provided by a metallic elastic device. This means mousetraps are not allowed. If you were to use metal screws or metal hooks (possibly to hold onto some elastic band), that would probably be allowed since the screws or hooks would not contribute launch energy to the device.

[drcubbin]

Much appreciated. I was confusing it with the "moustrap" vehicle

[Can_Of_Tuna]

Nevermind about my earlier post.
My question now, is whether you have to end up on the finish line linear to the starting point. My vehicle is only able to get around the can ; it can't go back to the original path...

[retired1]

Adjust the axle slot about 1/2 mm to the rear on the side in the direction you would like it to turn

[19mgupta]

In the rules is states that the track will be accommodated for both left and right turning vehicles. However, it never states how far to a side the track will be. Would it be safe to assume that a track width of say 2 meters on either side of the can is reasonable?

How should we try to get the steering? Can we just make a really thin vehicle that avoids the can altogether?

2 meters on both sides might be more than is provided. Might be safer to allow 1 meter on each side. Official website has a diagram of the track.

Instead of making the vehicle travel in a straight line, you can design it to travel in a curve by modifying the front axle. You would aim the vehicle to miss the can and then curve back to the finish point.

But wouldn't it be difficult to account for in the brakes. I think it is smarter to release it on a straight path but away from the can. It works perfectly unless on is required to release in the middle of the track.

[retired1]

The start point is on the centerline. Read 4.b.
As far as setting the brake, it will need a starting calculation and then a lot of trial runs to improve on the braking. Also it will involve a bunch of trials to miss the can and get close to the finish POINT.
Top teams will spend the time and effort.

[jgrischow1]

I am running this event at a tourney. First time for me running a construction event. Advice? Yes, I've read the rules and the info on soinc. Thanks.

[senpai]

Watch out for Solon, they must be stopped!