ME102 Project Report
of Group 209
Members
Alp Tekindağ, Arda Necipoğlu, Elif Ceren Zencirci,
Yakup Ömer Çelik.
Picture of the Project
Objective of the Project: Object of this project is to design
and set up an original car which is mechanically powered, according
given certain restrictions and conditions and then put the car to test in
real life. This project aims to practice basic engineering skills such as
time and cost effectiveness, brain storming, manufacturing and putting
physical and mathematical concepts to use.
Introduction
The objective of this project was to design and build a wind-up car powered by rubber
bands and ropes. The concept leverages the potential energy stored in a stretched
rubber band to propel the car forward when released. This report details the design,
construction, mechanism, and performance of the wind-up car.
From critical evaluations and ranking different concepts, we chose to do the wind-up car
even though it is actually the second in our design matrix ranking because of it’s
component’s easier accessibility.
Design and Construction
Gantt Chart of the Project
Materials Used
● Rubber bands
● Ropes
● Two gears (one smaller and one larger)
● Shaft
● Car chassis and wheels
● Plexi Glass
● Silicone Gun
● Cutting Tools
● Pencils
Assembly Process
1. Chassis and Wheels: The base of the car was constructed using a standard
chassis with four wheels. The front wheels were designed to be connected to the
propulsion mechanism.
2. Gears and Shaft: A shaft was glued to a smaller gear, ensuring a firm and stable
connection. This smaller gear was then connected to a larger gear, forming a
gear train that would translate the winding action into rotational motion.
3. Rubber Band Mechanism: The rubber band was attached in a way that it wraps
around the larger gear when the car is pulled backward. The wrapping action
stores potential energy in the rubber band by elongating it.
4. Connection to Wheels: The larger gear was positioned such that, when it turns,
it causes the smaller gear to rotate. Since the smaller gear is glued to the shaft
connected to the front wheels, this rotation propels the car forward.
Mechanism
● Winding: When the car is pulled back, the rubber band starts to wrap around the
larger gear. This action stretches and elongates the rubber band, storing
potential energy.
● Release and Propulsion: Upon releasing the car, the stretched rubber band
seeks to return to its original state. As it unwinds, it turns the larger gear. This, in
turn, causes the smaller gear glued to the shaft to rotate, driving the front wheels
and propelling the car forward.
Performance
Testing Procedure
● The car was placed on a flat surface and pulled back to wind the rubber band
around the larger gear.
● After reaching the maximum stretch of the rubber band, the car was released to
observe the propulsion mechanism.
Results
● Initial Tests: The car successfully moved forward upon release, demonstrating
the effective transfer of energy from the rubber band to the gears and then to the
wheels.
● Distance Covered: The car covered a significant distance, which varied
depending on the amount of stretch in the rubber band and the surface it was
tested on.
● Stability and Control: The car maintained good stability and control during its
forward motion, indicating a well-balanced design.
Observations
● The efficiency of the propulsion mechanism was largely dependent on the
tension in the rubber band. Greater tension resulted in a longer and faster
movement.
● The gear connection was crucial in ensuring smooth transmission of energy from
the rubber band to the wheels.
Conclusion
The wind-up car project was successful in demonstrating the principles of energy
storage and transfer using rubber bands and gears. The design effectively utilized the
potential energy stored in the rubber band to propel the car forward. The project
highlights the importance of material selection and precise construction in creating a
functional mechanical system.
Future Improvements
● Enhanced Materials: Using stronger rubber bands or alternative elastic
materials could improve the performance and durability of the car.
● Gear Optimization: Experimenting with different gear ratios could optimize the
speed and distance covered by the car.
● Aerodynamics: Modifying the car's chassis to be more aerodynamic could
reduce drag and increase efficiency.
This project provided valuable insights into the mechanics of wind-up propulsion
systems and opened avenues for further exploration and improvement in similar
mechanical projects. It also provided practice in basic aspects of engineering some of
which are cost and time effectiveness, collaboration of members in a team. It also
improved our SolidWorks skills.
CAD Drawing of Our Car
References:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3D53voa124
https://openstax.org/details/books/university-physics-volume-1
