Assignment:
Build a car/vehicle powered by one mousetrap without altering it. The car must go a distance of at least 5 feet, and can compete in 4 categories: Distance, Speed, Style and Innovation.
Approach:
When this project was assigned, I knew that I wanted to make a car the encloses the mousetrap, and becomes more of a visually pleasing toy car, while still traveling at least the minimum distance of 5 feet. I quickly decided on this type of car, because of its higher ceiling, allowing for the arm of the mousetrap to travel its full radius within the shell.
When this project was assigned, I knew that I wanted to make a car the encloses the mousetrap, and becomes more of a visually pleasing toy car, while still traveling at least the minimum distance of 5 feet. I quickly decided on this type of car, because of its higher ceiling, allowing for the arm of the mousetrap to travel its full radius within the shell.
Building:
I took the proportions from an older Toyota model, and designed the rest on Adobe Illustrator. I then printed out the peices, an glued them onto the wood. Using a band saw, coping saw and a drummel, I carved out these wooden peices and assembled them with wood glue and small tacks. I built the bottom seperatly, allowing for the user to easily wind up the mouse trap.
I took the proportions from an older Toyota model, and designed the rest on Adobe Illustrator. I then printed out the peices, an glued them onto the wood. Using a band saw, coping saw and a drummel, I carved out these wooden peices and assembled them with wood glue and small tacks. I built the bottom seperatly, allowing for the user to easily wind up the mouse trap.
Materials:
Basswood, mousetrap, copper rod, aluminum tubing, toy wheels, fishing line, hinges and other small hardware.
Adobe Illustrator File
Preliminary Sketch Models
