Build a Compound Machine

Compound Machine

 

 

 

 

 

Our last project was to build four out of the six simple machines. For this project, we had to build a compound machine with the pulley, lever, and crank.  Instead of working to build to a specific mechanical advantage, the goal was to modify the machines to gain the highest mechanical advantage possible.  At first my group only used the lever, and the crank, but after working on the machine, we were able to incorporate the pulley system.

 

Our final mechanical advantage was 285.18N.  We had the highest mechanical advantage in the class! Compared to other groups, we produced our ideas quicker and efficiently.  In fact, other groups looked at out design for ideas of their own, such as the arm of the wheel and axle.  We found that the bigger the arm, the more mechanical advantage. One problem we faced was how to incoporate the pulley into our compound machine.  We finally decided to restring the pulley and connect it to the crank to have a higher mechanical advantage.  Our methods were very successful.

 

The most difficult concept to grasp during this project was how to incorporate all three machines into one working compound machine.  We had to think of many solutions before we found the right one.  When we tested our machine, it was not measurable until we put enough weight as the output force.  Our group was creative and developed a way to hang a 5lb weight from the machine, and even that was not enough weight.  After over 30N as the output force, we gained an input force of 0.11.  We can apply what we learned from this project to future projects.  When working on projects, we always have to be creative and think of many solutions to problems before working.



Simple Machines

Simple Machines

 

 

In this lab we made four out of the six simple machines.  The goal was to have a mechanical advantage of 6 for the lever, inclined plane, and the wheel and axle.  The goal for the pulley was a mechanical advantage of 2. We used a box of nails as the output force.  The nails weighed approximately 4.6 Newtons. We calculated the actual mechanical advantage.  After we found the actual mechanical advantage of our machine, we calculated % efficiency.  To find % efficiency we divided the ideal mechanical advantage by the actual mechanical advantage and then multiplied by

100.

Lever by our group

Inclined Plane by our group



Wheel and axle by our group

Pulley by our group

Without calculating percent error and measuring the machines, the winner would have been Finbar's group.  However, after Mr. Atkins measured the dimensions on each group's lever, our group was the only group not disqualified.  We did not measure every other machine therefore it is not clear who the winner would have been.  It is difficult to determine a winner because of measurements and percent error may be calculated incorrectly, or in our case, not at all.

Not one group got 100% efficency or the exact mechanical advantage we were trying to get.  It is very likely that groups measured wrong.  Also groups did not test the input force, the box of nails, on their machines before finishing.  By testing as you create the machines, you can figure out what you have to change and how far from the mechanical advantage you are. For the next project, I will make sure to test my machines after each modification to ensure the highest percent efficiency.









Reducing 6 Simple Machines to 4

6 Simple Machines

 

 

1. Lever

2. Pulley

3.Wedge

4. Wheel and axle

5.Screw

6.Inclined Plane

 

 

 

 

Why can we reduce 6 to 4?

 

 

An inclined plane is the same simple machine as a wedge, so there does not have to be two different simple machines.  The screw has the same function as the inclined plane and wedge.

Westwood on the Cutting Edge

Westwood On The Cutting Edge

 



Blueprints are used as models for contrustion for placement and configuration.  Although blueprints are great examples of plans for construction, they are 2D.  This is a disadvantage because other aspects of the building are hard to add on to the blueprint.  Blueprints have the right dimensions, but still do not provide a whole building effect.

 

By using new 3D printing technology, architects and engineers now have the ability to enhance the blueprint experience.  3D printers can be used to print a blue print in 3D, to scale.  This gives architects and engineers the advantage to modify designs on a real life scale.  It also gives a better representation of the overall look and layout of the building.  A 3D printed blueprint of a building can help designers to improve blueprints to make structures stronger.  The 3D printer can change the architecture and engineering aspects of building for the better.

Other Possible Projects:
-Solving a rubik's cube with your mind
-3D print a blue print for a building
-Control a micro-processed robot with your mind
-Make a remote controlled car using RaspberryPi
-3D Scan a body part to make prosthetic limbs

Notecard Challenge

      The Note Card Challenge

 

In this project, we were given one notecard and four inches of tape.  Our only direction was to build a structure to hold weight.  At first, we only had to hold 100 pounds, and as our structures became more advanced, we tried to hold more weight. Our first structure failed by crushing, and our group came up with many solutions to this problem.  The solution that we chose was the best.  This solution was to create columns that were more rigid on the outside that wouldn't crush.  After we tested this theory, we were able to hold 194 pounds of weight.  After we tested, we improved our design by making the columns by wrapping them around a pen to make sure we had a very rigid outside.  After we redesigned and improved on our design, we were able to hold 245 pounds of weight!  With our same solution of rolling columns around a pen, we were able to receive the "Atkins A" because Mr. Atkins was able to stand on our structure for over 10 seconds.

 

Another problem we experienced in the notecard challenged was from our columns turning over.  We avoided crushing by making the outside very rigid, and we avoided buckling by placing tape on both sides of the columns.  However, overturning was a constant problem.  If we were given paper and more tape in this experiment, we could make an outer layer for our columns.  After we made this outer layer, we could spread out our columns, equal distant, around the edges of whatever was being put on top of them.  This would create and wide center of gravity, limiting the possibility of overturning.

 

Invention: The Refrigerator

The Refrigerator

Monitor top style refrigerator introduced in 1927

 

In 1876, Carl Paul Gottfried von Linde, invented the refrigerator.  This invention helped to remove heat from an enclosed space to lower the temperature.  It uses evaporation to absorb heat of the enclosed area.  This created freezing temperatures inside the refrigerator.  Once the temperature was low enough, food was able to be preserved.

 

The refrigerator was very important to history.  Before this invention people would use ice and snow to try and preserve food.  Bacteria in food multiplied much slowly or even not at all when it was in a refrigerator.  This invention was positive because food had much less bacteria when it was put in a refrigerator which decreased the amount of food related illness.  This invention also allowed foods to stay fresh for a longer period of time.  The refrigerator limited food borne illness, and saved people money because food would last longer.

Innovation: "Tooth Tattoo"

The Tooth Tattoo 

 

A "Tooth Tattoo" tested on a cows tooth

 

A graduate student at Princeton University, Manu Mannoor, in 2012, created a decal that goes on a tooth that detects bacteria and passes it to a nearby reciever.  Before the invention of this, "Tooth Tattoo," dentists and orthodontists used x-rays to detect damage to teeth.  If x-rays did not detect any flaw, dentists would go off of their sight and intuition alone.  This innovation was created using silk strands from cocoons and gold wires thinner than a spider's web.  Now only can the tooth decal detect bacteria in teeth, it can also detect bacteria in the body.

 

This innovation is going to historically impact society in a positive way.  Not only can dentists and doctors detect harmful bacteria in the body without x-rays or examinations, they can detect it fast.  These fast results are recorded for very small amounts of bacteria that are traced. Scientists at Princeton University were able to detect bacteria that caused tooth decay, and even bacteria that caused stomache ulcers.  This new technology can help dentist and doctors treat illness quicker, giving patients a higher chance of recovery. This small decal on the enamel of teeth can change the medical field for the better.

Maker Faire 2013

 

Have you ever created something?  From a block tower to a robot, creating is in human nature.  Come to this years Maker Faire and see engineering creations in action.  If you want to become and engineer in the future, or if you just like to see something fascinating, the Maker Faire is right for you.  At the Maker Faire, watch the world of imagination come to life. 

On September 21 and 22, New York will be holding its 4^th annual Maker Faire.  This years Maker Faire is located at the New York Hall of Science 47-01 111^th St, Queens in Flushing Meadows, New York.  On Saturday, September 21, the hours are from 10am to 7pm, and on Sunday, September 22, the hours are from 10 am to 6 pm, RAIN OR SHINE!  Ticket prices are as follow:

Adults $35 (18-61)

Seniors $30 (62+)

Students $25 (with ID)

Youth $20 (ages 2-17)

Kids Free (under 2)