How To Perfectly Aim Your Mousetrap Car
what is mousetrap vehicle
A mousetrap vehicle is model car that is powered by mousetraps. Many science and engineering competitions, such as Science Olympiad and SECME, host mousetrap vehicle competitions to help teach basic physic concepts to students.
In this post, we will discuss how to properly aim your mousetrap cars.
aiming your device
What makes a good aiming mechanism?
If you are competing in Science Olympiad Mousetrap Vehicle, then you definitely want to be able to predict and adjust the distance that your car travels and proximity to the target point. Well, while braking mechanisms adjust the distance the car travels, the aiming mechanism you use greatly affects the car’s left and right proximity to the target point.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to invest a fortune to adjust various aspects of your vehicle to get it to go perfectly straight. Instead, you can uses aiming mechanisms to predict how much your car will veer off course and adjust for that before launching the vehicle.
There are many type of aiming mechanisms that your could potentially use to aim your car for perfection, but there are only two different aspects that make a good aiming mechanism:
- Consistency; are you able to repeat the same steps over and over again in multiple different testing venues and still accurately predict the car’s distance form the target point?
- Accuracy; are you able to make easy measurements and determine the adjustments necessary to get your car on target
Below, we will discuss some of the best aiming mechanisms that you can use.
Rifle Scopes
Rifle scopes are one of the better options when considering aiming mechanisms to use for your mousetrap car.
To use a rifle scope you need two different things: a rifle scope, obviously, and a target block. Then you should attach the rifle scope onto the mousetrap car and place the target block on the target point. Using the cross hairs of the rifle scope, align the car with the target block. Finally, remove the rifle scope form the car and target bock from the track, and then launch the car.
You can adjust the left to right accuracy of the car by measuring how far the car ended up left or right from the target point and moving the target block that same distance away form the target point but in the opposite direction.
slot/notch alignment
Slot/notch alignment is a cheaper alternative to rifle scopes.
To use a slot/notch alignment you need three different things: two opaque and sturdy slips that have a thin slot or notch in them and a target block. Then you should attach the two slotted sheets onto the mousetrap car, one slotted sheet on the front and back of the vehicle, and place the target block on the target point. Looking through both slots, align the car with the target block. Finally, remove the target bock from the track, and then launch the car.
You can adjust the left to right accuracy of the car the same as with the rifle scope. By measuring how far the car ended up left or right from the target point and moving the target block that same distance away form the target point but in the opposite direction.
laser pointer
Laser pointers are by far the best aiming mechanism because it all done by machine, removing any human error. However, the rules vary year to year on the legality of using laser pointers.
To use a laser pointer you need two different things: a laser pointer and a target block. Then you should attach the laser pointer onto the car and place the target block on the target point. After turning on the laser pointer, align the car with the target block using the laser. Finally, turn off the laser and remove the target bock from the track, and then launch the car.
You can adjust the left to right accuracy of the car the same as with the rifle scope. By measuring how far the car ended up left or right from the target point and moving the target block that same distance away form the target point but in the opposite direction.