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Member
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May 13 2013 08:50pm
Need some help with some ideas

There is a volleyball hanging from a string attached to a mount close to the roof of the AT building. This
mount was originally planned for a Foucault pendulum but it was cut due to lack of funds. Still, it would
be nice to have something to show for it.
Your project is to devise a method for keeping the volleyball in motion. It could be simply a back and
forth motion, or it could be circular, or some combination. I envision using this at an open house event
to add interest to the event. So if your method of keeping it in motion is also interesting so much the
better.
Some design parameters:
 Your solution can’t obstruct traffic or be dangerous. No wires can cross the walkways.
 The allowed budget is about 500 dollars for materials. No labor cost.
 You can add something to the ball, or use something other than the ball as long as it isn’t heavy
enough to be dangerous if the string broke.
 We can’t go up to the top of the roof to add anything. All work has to be done at the 2nd floor
level.
 This would only be meant for temporary use, approximately 4 hours at a time.
To hand in:
a. An explanation including well done design drawings of your chosen design. You can do these in
Sketchup, or Solidworks, or by hand.
b. A bill of materials with estimated cost. If you want to use a motor, etc., include an exact
specification.
Member
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May 14 2013 03:41pm
No one even has any ideas?
Member
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May 14 2013 04:45pm
hire a mexican 1$ an hour for 500 hours to push the ball
Member
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May 14 2013 07:58pm
Quote (silvermace @ May 14 2013 06:45pm)
hire a mexican 1$ an hour for 500 hours to push the ball


lol
Member
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May 14 2013 09:45pm
It's so vague it's not even funny
Is there a picture?

if not, whoever gave that out is a complete failure, such ambiguity


This post was edited by saber_x3 on May 14 2013 09:48pm
Member
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May 19 2013 09:49am
Make a small motor that uses a fan to push the ball to its peak height, before turning around to be pulled down by gravity toward the other way and repeats the action of the other side?

Magnets.

Gravity can be used too.

This post was edited by Archer on May 19 2013 09:50am
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May 19 2013 10:59pm
just build a sandbox with thinner sand?
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