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Daily Digest Archive for February 6, 2004
Q: (Initially posted February 4, 2004) FROM STUDENT
MEMBER RENEE P. IN CO
I'm in a program called Destination Imagination. To creatively
solve our
problem, we want to make a device that is similar to a plunger.
How can we make a
spring shoot straight forward and then come straight back? I
think we need
to put tension on it and then release the tension. Could we
use air or water
pressure? How could the spring relax forward and then contact
back? Could we
do it basically automatic such as with the flip of a switch
or pressing a
button? Thanks! |
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February 6, 2004
A: FROM MENTOR JACKIE JURGA IN
MA
Hi Renee-
You are talking about a 'compression' spring. One that is
forward (in its
long position ) when relaxed and under tension (shortened)
when
compressed.
Examine a ballpoint pen with a button on the end. Yes, you
could use air or
water, but it would be a very sophisticated and expensive
device to
fabricate.
Mechanical methods would be more economical ... such as that
ballpoint pen.
May I suggest you take one apart to see how it works inside.It
is a simple
marvel of 'catches' and 'releases' with a compression spring
supplying the
force to open and close the pen. How big a spring does the
project
require? How far does it have to "shoot forward"?
That will determine the
size of the spring you use and the button that pushes it into
it's
confined/compressed destination. I hope this helps. Good luck.
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