The basics of our String launcher work, however, the problem is that any type of string or rope inserted through the wheels stops the motors from spinning, it is because the resistance is too low. This problem is beyond our ability so we really do nothing since it is how the motor works, not how we created and designed it. However, I feel like we did a rather good job in this project, we were able to think, plan, then create. We were able to use a lot of tools to help us in our future school work or perhaps jobs. I feel like we could improve the safety of our product because all our batteries and wires are outside, it might be dangerous if it touches something and flames, therefore, we could cover it up with more pieces of wood. Since there are batteries needed, we could replace this with a charger so it is reusable. The potential customer if the product had worked would have been fascinated by this product, and who are. Our product could be used to create future scientists and help them expand it to different scientific toys.

I was absent for a few lessons but our main issue was if we connect two motors to one battery pack, there must be two negative circuits to connect to each motor, however, the battery pack only had one.

Mr. Hussack helped us build a small prototype of the circuit to test if the circuit would actually work, and the concept was plausible with the materials provided. After Mr. Hussacks’ help, we were able to move on with the project.

However, there was a little mistake where we messed up the calculations for our wood piece, we were stuck because the two holes for the wheels were too close together. Next, we thought about a better idea, of creating a thicker handle so it’s easier to hold, therefore this mistake helped us in some way.

While we finished the basic parts, there was a problem with drilling. it was extremely hard to drill a hole right in the middle of a small piece of wood, but the design teachers helped us and we were able to learn how to drill these holes much easier.

Next, we had to solder the circuits together to ensure that they are secure and electricity could flow through.

Then, after the soldering part, we managed to make it work. Next, we focused on the decorations of the product, because the handle (made from wood) was quite pricking our hand, we sanded the outer parts to make it easier to hold.

Develop and Planning

The initial sketch for the string launcher is shown above, we figured out how to build the mechanics through a DIY video discovered on Youtube. The build required techniques such as soldering, drilling, and laser cutting, and a proper understanding of circuits as we needed to connect two motors to just one battery pack, the motors also spun in different directions depending on which side was positive and negative. I already knew soldering from a circuits class in seventh grade, and laser cutting I could learn by asking one of the design teachers that worked with us during the project.

To get started, we finalized the materials first:
1 Fret saw
2 3 Volt DC Motor
1 drill
2 Battery
1 Thermal glue gun
1 glue
1 Micro Switch
2 Toy car tire
1 Soldering tools
1 Shaped wire
1 Yarn (6 meters) 1
After finalizing the materials, we decided to make them easier to use and more comfortable to use. We needed a variety of techniques to complete our projects, such as drilling, laser cutting, and Soldering. We also cut out a piece of wood as the handle of our string launcher to make it more comfortable. Drilling was one of the hard parts since we had to drill super small holes right in the middle, during this project, I feel much more confident drilling holes in the center. Soldering and Laser cutting was a skill I’ve already learned during the past few years of school.

What is this engineering task?

We had to create a product based on one of the four criteria: a toy that converts energy, a device that is safe and sustainable? A device that transfers power, but appealing at the same time.

I was thinking about a couple of ideas, for example, an electrical nerf gun, or a toy car, but as I scroll through youtube, something caught my eye, it was a string launcher. It was unique, appealing, and fit the criteria.

Target

I’ve found the string launcher to be a fascinating project. I’ve found some pros and cons about the product. Firstly, it is a very unique project, therefore, there are very few videos and explanations made. However, Isb does have all the materials required so it is possible. The process isn’t really hard, however, the measurements have to be measured precisely. Also, the String launcher matches all the criteria, my main audience will be students who are interested in something new to play with, different from the toys they normally play with.