Page 139 - Making things move_ DIY mechanisms for inventors, hobbyists, and artists

Chapter 5 Mechanical and Electrical Power, Work, and Energy 119

P roject 5-1: Mousetrap-Powered Car

In this project, we’ll use the energy that a torsion spring can store to power a small
car. Refer to Figure 5-12 as you step through the recipe.

Shopping List:

• Mousetrap
• 1/4 in diameter wooden dowel

• Multitool with knife and file
• Two eye screws that the dowel fits into (McMaster 9496T27)
• Monofilament fishing line

• Two old CDs
• Laser-cut hub (see www.makingthingsmove.com for links to the digital files for
download on Thingiverse.com, and Ponoko.com if you want to buy them) or
epoxy putty
• Wooden paint stirring stick

FIGURE 5-12 Mousetrap-powered car ready to roll