Course: Introduction to Mechanical Design & Engineering
The assignment here was to construct a machine that hopped 30-60 seconds after it is engaged. This ‘hopper’ is accomplished with a friction creep method, where the rubber band (left) slides along the thin dowel (right). This puts energy into two torsion springs in between the machine’s two legs. When the rubber band fully slides off of the dowel, this energy is released, and the hopper jumps a short height. This hopper was notable as one of the most lightweight hoppers displayed in the class, and the only one to use torsion springs in this way.
