Rube Goldberg Machine
What is a Rube Goldberg machine?
A Rube Goldberg machine is a complex mechanism that accomplishes a simple task with numerous and complicated steps.
Construction Log
Week 1
Sep 8- We decided upon the theme of LA and brainstormed steps.
Sep 9- We started our blueprint and finalized our steps.
Week 2
Sep 12- We put three wooden blocks at the bottom of the board for structural support.
Sep 14- We built the first ramp by screwing two pieces of wood in to create a two foot and two inches ramp.
Sep 15- We cut out the circular figure of the “ferris wheel” wheel and axle and fit it on a rod
Week 3
Sep 19- We built a platform on the “ferris wheel” for a marble to sit on.
Sep 21- We started making “surfboard” dominoes and constructed the next ramp.
Sep 22- We created the screw funnel and a third ramp.
Week 4
Sep 25- We added weight to the ferris wheel to keep it upright and made our last ramp.
Sep 26- Built the “boat”, “ocean” paper cup, and the two levers.
Sep 27- Built basketball hoop, painted and added lights.
Our Project
For the past 4 weeks I have worked with my teammates Alex Lozada, Ashley Leonard, and Lucy Mogan. Together we created a Rube Goldberg machine that was inspired by LA, Hollywood, and the Santa Monica boardwalk. Our machine starts by pulling a wedge out from underneath the ball at the top of the first ramp. The ball rolls down the ramp and lands in a cup connected to a wheel and axle. The ball weighs the mechanism down enough to let a marble roll off a platform connected to the wheel and axle. The marble will continue to roll down a second ramp and enters the mouth of the screw set in place at the bottom of the ramp. The marble continues to roll down the final ramp and lands on a flat surface. While landing, it will knock a row of dominoes down which sends a small boat into a paper cup. In the act of hitting the first domino, the marble falls through a hole. The result of this is that the lever underneath is forced down, hitting a second lever. Another marble, balancing on the second lever, falls when hit by the first lever. The marble falls into the Clipper's basketball hoop which brings the process to a conclusion.
Physics Terms:
Force: A push or pull; calculated by multiplying mass and acceleration; F=ma: force is found in our project when the two levers collide
Velocity: The speed and direction of an object; calculated by dividing the change in time by the change in distance; V=d/t; velocity is found on all of our ramps when the marble rolls down.
Mechanical Advantage: How much easier a task is made by a machine; calculated by dividing the input distance by the output distance; MAideal=deffort/dload; mechanical advantage is found in our ferris wheel because it allows the ball to travel quicker.
Work: The amount of energy put into something; calculated by multiplying force and distance; W=Fd; work is found every time the marble rolls because it completes it objective of reaching the finish line.
Potential Energy; The energy of an object ready to be set into motion; calculated by multiplying mass, acceleration due to gravity, and height; PE=mgh; potential energy is found in our machine when the ball is in a resting position at the start.
Kinetic Energy: The energy of an object set in motion; calculated by multiplying 1/2 of mass and the velocity squared; KE=1/2mvsq; Kinetic energy is found every time the marble rolls down the track.
Acceleration: The speed increase or decrease of velocity; calculated by dividing the change in time by the change in distance; a=v/t; acceleration is found every time the marble speeds up.
Reflection: Building our Rube Goldberg machine was challenging and difficult. However, it was also fun to build and work with my teammates. This experience taught me a lot about leadership and patience. With the most experience and willingness to use power tools I was forced to take initiative and lead the team. With time I got good at taking charge but also at taking a step back. One example of this is when we were working and I handed the drill over to a teammate and shared how to use it. Through time and exposure to my teammates, I was able to work with them more efficiently and get the project done. I would also run through things fast and sometimes get short tempered. With discussion with my teammates I learned to control my energetic nature and become more patient; this payed off while discussing an important decision that would change the course of the project. I was able to keep quiet and listen to my teammates. Although we finished the project, we had trouble doing it. An area of difficulty for us was time management. With short due dates, and high expectations, we struggled to keep up. We struggled when we had to finish painting two days before our project was due. Another difficulty of mine was work contribution. I tend to be very direct and would take over sometimes, not allowing my teammates to share in the process. In reflection, I did this several times in the early stages of the project by doing all the drilling. I seemed to have been able to hold back at times, but when we fell behind, I went back to old habits. In conclusion, this experience has helped me to become a better leader and teammate while also continuing to be a fun project.