Compound Machines
Define a Problem
Generating concepts
Brainstorming List:
-Ramp chain system
-Pulley system
-High torque compound
-Wheel and axle crank
-Ramp chain system
-Pulley system
-High torque compound
-Wheel and axle crank
Develop a Solution
Construct and Test Prototype
Although the building process was fairly rocky and unorthodox, we did finish it, but had to make a few modifications. While the original idea was to pull a car up the inclined plane, attatched to a pulley, and drop it on the stapler, we found that that the car was not heavy enough and too hard to succesfully aim and drop it onto the stapler. as a solution, we tossed out the car, and tied a large hunk of metal, pulled it up the inclined plane, and successfully dropped it onto the stapler, which had enough weight to staple a paper.
Conclusion
1. For which mechanism was it the easiest to determine the mechanical advantage or drive ratio? Why was it the easiest?
The pulleys mechanical advantage was easiest to determine, because a fixed pulley's IMA is always 1, as all it does is change the direction of force.
2. For which mechanism was it the most difficult to determine the mechanical advantage or drive ratio? Why was it the most difficult?
The wheel and axle, because it was hardest to calculate, as you had to use pi and determine the diameter of a square axle.
3. At what value would you estimate the input and output forces of your compound machine? How did you arrive at your estimated values?
I would estimate that our input force is 2.5 lbs, and our output force is 4, based on friction loss and the shortness of our lever.
4.What modifications could you make to your compound machine to make it more mechanically efficient?
There would be a few things i would change. First, i would make our lever crank longer. i would also make our weight roll, or just not drag all the way up the incline plane, which results in a very large amount of friction. i would also use less flimsy, terrible equipment.
The pulleys mechanical advantage was easiest to determine, because a fixed pulley's IMA is always 1, as all it does is change the direction of force.
2. For which mechanism was it the most difficult to determine the mechanical advantage or drive ratio? Why was it the most difficult?
The wheel and axle, because it was hardest to calculate, as you had to use pi and determine the diameter of a square axle.
3. At what value would you estimate the input and output forces of your compound machine? How did you arrive at your estimated values?
I would estimate that our input force is 2.5 lbs, and our output force is 4, based on friction loss and the shortness of our lever.
4.What modifications could you make to your compound machine to make it more mechanically efficient?
There would be a few things i would change. First, i would make our lever crank longer. i would also make our weight roll, or just not drag all the way up the incline plane, which results in a very large amount of friction. i would also use less flimsy, terrible equipment.