Define A Problem
Generate Concepts
We decided on the first idea, "pulley up the ramp with a wheel".
Develop A Solution
Construct And Test Prototype
The inclined plane to the right has a mechanical advantage of 1.41:1. The fixed pulley at the top has a mechanical advantage of 1:1. Finally, the wheel and axle on the left has a mechanical advantage of 240:1. This gives an overall ideal mechanical advantage of 338.4:1
Evaluate Solution
In a real life situation we wouldn't be using ping pong balls. Instead we would be using the machine in a useful way to achieve a task that would be a lot more efficient. Since ping pong balls only weigh a few grams, it was difficult to get accurate testing results because we had such a high mechanical advantage.
The differences between our ideal and actual mechanical advantages are minor slim. In order to find the actual mechanical advantage our machine, we had to create an equation to find the force of effort. This canceled any issues by friction.
The differences between our ideal and actual mechanical advantages are minor slim. In order to find the actual mechanical advantage our machine, we had to create an equation to find the force of effort. This canceled any issues by friction.
Present A Solution
My experience with Vex materials was positive, the tools worked efficiently with little to no problems. Having prior experience with Vex also made our project a bit less laboring. I learned how to incorporate many simple machines into one to achieve a shared task throughout this project, with a few tweaks we were able to do so. A few modifications I think to be considered would be using materials more practical for the end goal.
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Conclusion
The easiest mechanism to calculate mechanical advantage of was the fixed pulley, in opposition the hardest was the MA of the inclined plane due to its size.The input force is approximately 20 grams and the output to be over 300 grams. Our actual mechanical advantage overall was 338.54, so we have the ability to pull much heavier items with this compound machine. The cup and ball together weighed about 6 grams, but with all of the friction I would estimate about 20g of input force. As far as modifying the efficiency. I think shortening the length of the inclined plane, downsizing the wheel, and using a block and tackle system would create this machine to have be much more mechanically efficient.