Idea of what the final model may look like
What are the project specifications? Who is the client?
- Design and make a toy that converts energy, has to be easy enough that its creatable in 3 classes
- Client: elementary schoolers, they’ll likely find a rubber band-powered boat more interesting than an older person likely would
What criteria/constraints must I consider when creating my solution?
- Materials: Cardboard, paper, rubberbands, popsicle sticks, hot glue
- environmental impact: rubberband and hot glue may not be biodegradable/recyclable
- safety: the client may need assistance from an adult to handle the hot glue, should be relatively durable for a fun project
- time: ~3 classes
- skills: should be relatively easy, know how to use a hot glue gun
What solutions already exist (precedents)
- Windup toy
- Rubber band gun
- Crank/hand-powered flashlight
- Catapult
- Rubber band powered boat
Rubber band powered boat chosen
Precedents
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVInLcZUcFA (easy and fast windup method, shape is more akin to a traditional boat)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPg7Ivcm32g (small and fast paddles make it go faster but uses up more potential energy for a shorter distance)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USB-dHeWMiY (spoon paddles, generates more push since more water is being trapped)
- https://herreshoff.org/2020/04/rubber-band-powered-boats/
- https://puffingbilly.com.au/visit-us/things-to-do-in-the-region/things-to-do/paddleboats/ (three-wheeled paddleboat design, wheels primarily hollow to support the weight, frame is very barebones)
how is it unique:
- add keel onto the bottom to make it go in a straight line
- encourage the user to design the boat more to their own tastes (decorations, colour)
- 3 wheels to add more stability/make it faster
- curved paddles on wheels, generates more force like the spoon paddles
- use the wind up method from precedent 1