The Challange
As part of the New Jersey Physics Olympics, the Zero-Impact Vehicle event isn't a test of speed; it's a trial of precision in manufacturing. Participants must design a vehicle capable of traversing exactly 8 meters towards a wall - without any collision. The goal is to get as close as possible without touching.
No Electronics?
The rules are strict - no electronics, no motors, only mechanical designs are allowed. In this landscape, my vehicle stood out with its unique approach. The core of my design was a simple yet effective mechanism: a screw coupled with a wingnut. This ingenious pairing was the heart of the vehicle, translating rotational motion into linear movement of the nut, allowing me to precisely limit the rotation of the wheels and stop the car instantly.
How it Works
As the vehicle moves, the wheel's rotation turns the screw. Attached to this screw, a wingnut travels its length, moving a set distance with each wheel revolution. This setup allows for an extraordinary level of control. By calculating the number of revolutions needed to reach just shy of the wall, the wingnut acts as a precise measuring tape, dictating the exact moment for the vehicle to brake. The car's chassis uses laser-cut parts with sub-millimeter precision while using materials that cost under $10.
The 10mm Triumph
The final design was a marvel of accuracy, stopping a mere 10 mm from the wall - an unrivaled achievement in the competition. This extraordinary precision allowed the Morris Hills team to not only win first place in the event but also to outscore their nearest competitors by a factor of five.
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