Engineering Design Challenge
This project involved designing and constructing a mousetrap car that demonstrates fundamental physics principles including potential energy, kinetic energy, friction, and mechanical advantage. The goal was to create a vehicle powered solely by the energy stored in a mousetrap spring that could travel the maximum distance possible.
The mousetrap car incorporates custom 3D-printed wheels, laser-cut wooden chassis components, and a carefully engineered drive mechanism using CDs as lightweight spools. The project showcases mechanical design principles, material selection, and the integration of traditional woodworking with modern 3D printing technology.
Technical Documentation
Assembly Video
Project Components
Drive Mechanism
CD-based spool system for efficient energy transfer from the mousetrap spring to the wheels.
Complete3D Printed Wheels
Custom-designed lightweight wheels with spoked design for minimal friction and optimal performance.
CompleteLaser-Cut Chassis
Precision-cut wooden frame with custom mouse head design and optimized structural geometry.
CompletePower System
Victor mousetrap spring mechanism providing the primary energy source for propulsion.
CompleteAxle Assembly
Precision-engineered axle system with bearings for smooth wheel rotation and minimal friction.
CompleteAssembly Process
3D printing custom components, repurposing existing parts, and laser cutting balsa wood for precision construction.
CompleteProject Gallery
Completed Mousetrap Car
Side view of the fully assembled vehicle, ready for testing
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Mousetrap Car Render
A digital render showcasing the complete design
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Mousetrap Car Render 2
Another digital render highlighting design details
Rear Wheel Detail
Close-up of the rear CD wheel and its connection to the wooden chassis
Custom Chassis Detail
Wooden chassis with a laser-cut mouse head design, adding a unique touch
Custom 3D Printed Wheels
Lightweight, spoked wheels designed for minimal friction and optimal performance
3D Printing Process
Manufacturing custom components, such as wheels, using a 3D printer
Mousetrap Car Components
Essential parts including custom wheels, fasteners, and structural elements
Material Preparation
Cutting and shaping materials for the mousetrap car's construction
Assembly Workbench
Tools and small parts, including copper wiring and fasteners, ready for integration
CD Drive Mechanism
CDs used as a lightweight spool for the mousetrap car's propulsion system
Chassis and Drive Components
Wooden frame pieces and the CD-based drive system laid out for assembly
Axle Assembly Detail
Close-up of a precision-engineered axle hub with a bearing for smooth rotation
Mousetrap Power Source
Traditional mousetraps, the core propulsion mechanism, alongside other small parts
Early Assembly
Mousetrap car chassis with the mousetrap and CD wheel, showing initial setup
Mousetrap Mechanism
The spring-loaded mousetrap, the heart of the car's propulsion
Project Results & Impact
Project Success
The mousetrap car project successfully demonstrated fundamental physics principles while showcasing modern manufacturing techniques and creative engineering design.
Key Achievements
- Efficient energy transfer from spring to wheels
- Custom 3D printed components
- Laser-cut precision chassis
- Minimal friction design
- Successful propulsion system
Educational Impact
- Physics principles demonstration
- Mechanical engineering concepts
- Modern manufacturing integration
- Problem-solving skills development
- Hands-on engineering experience
Get In Touch
Interested in learning more about this project or collaborating on similar engineering challenges?
GitHub
View project code and documentation