Braking System

[xiangyu]

Also, if I decide to install a braking system, it will probably be what everyone has been using which is the wingnut system. I'm curious if teams are making the stopper movable(which then they can adjust to each different length).

Why can't you just move the wingnut to the distance you want?

I thought of that but how do you do it since the axle is under tension from the string connecting it to the mouse traps? Am I missing something? Do you have the dowel removable?

[Rossyspsce]

Also, if I decide to install a braking system, it will probably be what everyone has been using which is the wingnut system. I'm curious if teams are making the stopper movable(which then they can adjust to each different length).

Why can't you just move the wingnut to the distance you want?

I thought of that but how do you do it since the axle is under tension from the string connecting it to the mouse traps? Am I missing something? Do you have the dowel removable?

the wing nut is on the axle not attached by string to the mousetraps

[xiangyu]

Why can't you just move the wingnut to the distance you want?

I thought of that but how do you do it since the axle is under tension from the string connecting it to the mouse traps? Am I missing something? Do you have the dowel removable?

the wing nut is on the axle not attached by string to the mousetraps

Right... but in order to change the position of the wing nut I have to turn it, but I can't turn it since it's riding along a dowel... So the only way left is to turn the drive axle, but the drive axle is attached to the mousetraps and suddenly I'm winding up my vehicle... Are you suggesting detaching the string from the axle first so that it turns freely and adjust the wing nut that way? That could work hmmm...

[Rossyspsce]

I thought of that but how do you do it since the axle is under tension from the string connecting it to the mouse traps? Am I missing something? Do you have the dowel removable?

the wing nut is on the axle not attached by string to the mousetraps

Right... but in order to change the position of the wing nut I have to turn it, but I can't turn it since it's riding along a dowel... So the only way left is to turn the drive axle, but the drive axle is attached to the mousetraps and suddenly I'm winding up my vehicle... Are you suggesting detaching the string from the axle first so that it turns freely and adjust the wing nut that way? That could work hmmm...

Yes and no. Setting the wingnut then winding would work, but I do winding then wingnut bc I've had issues where the wingnut moves during winding. Also yes, the drive axle is the turning axle for my case but either would work

[xiangyu]

the wing nut is on the axle not attached by string to the mousetraps

Right... but in order to change the position of the wing nut I have to turn it, but I can't turn it since it's riding along a dowel... So the only way left is to turn the drive axle, but the drive axle is attached to the mousetraps and suddenly I'm winding up my vehicle... Are you suggesting detaching the string from the axle first so that it turns freely and adjust the wing nut that way? That could work hmmm...

Yes and no. Setting the wingnut then winding would work, but I do winding then wingnut bc I've had issues where the wingnut moves during winding. Also yes, the drive axle is the turning axle for my case but either would work

I see, thanks!

[sciencecat42]

We tried to implement the one sided wingnut braking method, but after sawing off a wing, it won't flip over when the car reverses. Is there any solution to this issue or an alternative reliable braking method?

[mnoga]

We tried to implement the one sided wingnut braking method, but after sawing off a wing, it won't flip over when the car reverses. Is there any solution to this issue or an alternative reliable braking method?

You don't need to saw off one side of the wing nut. When it flips over you just need something to stop it on the way back from its starting point. Think of it this way ... 8 meters forward and between 1 and 6 meters back depending upon Regional, State, or National Rules. You can just vary your starting point on the threaded rod to control how far back you go. If you refer to the videos in the Score Discussion thread you'll see the Mountain View car which uses this method.

[xiangyu]

We tried to implement the one sided wingnut braking method, but after sawing off a wing, it won't flip over when the car reverses. Is there any solution to this issue or an alternative reliable braking method?

I encountered the same problem but then after experimenting found out that you don't need to saw off a wing. In my case on the way forward it is pushing against one side of the dowel and on the way back it's pushing along the back side of the same dowel where I will put a rubber stopper.

[sciencecat42]

You don't need to saw off one side of the wing nut. When it flips over you just need something to stop it on the way back from its starting point. Think of it this way ... 8 meters forward and between 1 and 6 meters back depending upon Regional, State, or National Rules. You can just vary your starting point on the threaded rod to control how far back you go. If you refer to the videos in the Score Discussion thread you'll see the Mountain View car which uses this method.

When we used a two sided wingnut, it would get caught and stop the car even on the way forward. How do you implement it so that it doesn't?

I encountered the same problem but then after experimenting found out that you don't need to saw off a wing. In my case on the way forward it is pushing against one side of the dowel and on the way back it's pushing along the back side of the same dowel where I will put a rubber stopper.

How do you securely attach the rubber stopper on only one side of your dowel?

[mnoga]

You don't need to saw off one side of the wing nut. When it flips over you just need something to stop it on the way back from its starting point. Think of it this way ... 8 meters forward and between 1 and 6 meters back depending upon Regional, State, or National Rules. You can just vary your starting point on the threaded rod to control how far back you go. If you refer to the videos in the Score Discussion thread you'll see the Mountain View car which uses this method.

When we used a two sided wingnut, it would get caught and stop the car even on the way forward. How do you implement it so that it doesn't?

I encountered the same problem but then after experimenting found out that you don't need to saw off a wing. In my case on the way forward it is pushing against one side of the dowel and on the way back it's pushing along the back side of the same dowel where I will put a rubber stopper.

How do you securely attach the rubber stopper on only one side of your dowel?

I do not recommend using a dowel because it is wood and it will wear and shrink and/or expand depending upon humidity/temp. Better to use metal, like an aluminum strip. That strip can be drilled with holes and in one of those holes you can insert a stopper, like a round spacer (again aluminum is a good choice).