2025 STEAM EXPO

PROJECT SUMMARY

I wanted to make a mechanism that works with movement without having to use a motor and only using gravity as a mobility mechanism, a kind of ruler. It consists of using the weight of the axle's limbs to distribute the weight differently, causing it to move. It could be used for basic physics classes.

WHY?

I was interested in figuring out how the mechanism itself worked and how long it could remain in motion due to the conservation of energy theorem. Because it's not perfect, it's not infinite, obviously, but it was interesting to decipher how it worked, as well as how to build it with detailed measurements so it could work.

HOW?

It was a little difficult because I didn't have the exact measurements and didn't know if it would work, but I tried anyway. At first, I took approximate measurements and then made a drawing in a notebook. I then moved on to Rhino 06, where I modified the measurements to ensure it worked. Then I cut some parts with a laser cutter and also by hand. Finally, I installed the hand-made screws and painted the mechanism.

WHAT?

Although the project ended up missing some parts of the mechanism, it has since been tested and is working. I think the calculations I made most were between the distances of the propellers and the weight needed for the movement, in addition to looking at the central rotation and the parts, such as the measurement between the first and second parts of the screws.

WhatsApp Video 2025-03-21 at 12.05.51 PM (1) - Angelin Himmelreich.mp4

SO WHAT?

My results are important because, through a mechanical project, they demonstrate the workings of basic physics and gravity itself as a guide to motion. I learned that I had greatly underestimated the project itself, but then I realized that it was a challenge. Many things can be learned from the project, such as the theory of conservation of energy and Newton and his laws.

WHAT'S NEXT?

I could add metal screws to reduce friction between the materials, which would improve the steady motion. I could also use more specific weights by making the weights out of metal.

REFERENCES & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I used the idea of a Chinese prototype that used the same mechanism but with different materials and the same principle of gravity and motion. Among the people who helped me were Teacher C, who helped me direct the work itself, and Classmate B, who helped me a lot with choosing the colors for the project.

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