Introduction:

In this lab you will design a simple Rube Goldberg Machine. The basic idea is that this machine performs a number of unnecessarily complex steps in order to complete a simple task. The images below should clarify this idea. We will present more detail in lecture.

For more information on Rube Goldberg machines, including an annual national contest, visit the Official Rube Goldberg website.

As you walk past cobbler shop, hook (A) strikes suspended boot (B), causing it to kick football (C) through goal posts (D). Football drops into basket (E) and string (F) tilts sprinkling can (G), causing water to soak coat tails (H). As coat shrinks, cord (I) opens door (J) of cage, allowing bird (K) to walk out on perch (L) and grab worm (M), which is attached to string (N). This pulls down window shade (O), on which is written, "YOU SAP, MAIL THAT LETTER."

Challenge Statement:

Build a Rube Goldberg machine that transfers a golf ball from one corner of your machine to the next machine using five unique energy transfers. Your machine will be started by dropping a ball in a square entry zone, and must move the ball through your machine to the next teams entry zone. All energy transfers must finish before the ball leaves machine for credit. To recieve full credit, you must both "toss" the ball above your machine to break the 60" horizontal plane above the ground either during a energy transfer or ball hand-off, AND raise the ball at least 20 inches above the height of the starting zone.

You may generate your own electrical potential, or utilize a more creative source, as long as you do not use a commercial product (like a battery, power supply, or outlet power). Chemical reactions and flames are allowed within reason. Be sure to alert the lab TAs beforehand if you are planning on significant amounts of either. You may use any materials you can find except for those involving commercial sources of electrical potential as indicated above. Each step should be unique and contribute to the goal. For example, this means you cannot have a rolling ball hit a few pins on its way down a ramp and have those actions count as steps. If you have questions, email the lab TA.

Clarifications and Suggestions

You can have more that 5 transfers in your chain, but can only get credit for 5 transfers completed without intervention.

If you are planning on changing the location of your entry zone let the previous team know via email.

Your machine must start the within the size constraints, but can extend into the entry zone of the next machine after triggered.

For grading your machine will be tested individually by a TA dropping a golf ball 20" into your entry zone. The height at which the ball leaves your machine will be used for grading.

Liquids count as part of your machine, but gases do not.

All parts of your machine must stay attached for the duration of the demo.

The ball leaving the machine does not count as a transfer

Golf Ball (provided):

Diameter: 1.68"

Size Constraints:

Base: 30" x 48" maximum
Height: 60" maximum (measured from the floor to the tallest point of your device)
Entry Zone

Exacly 12"x12" square
Two edges of the zone must be on edges of your machine
At least 20" clear above it
Exacly 24" above the ground

Hand-in:

Your group's Rube Goldberg Machine
A copy of the grading sheet completed with your team number and names
- grading sheet
Email the lab TA a URL for a web site that:
- Depicts your Group's name and members' names
- Contains pictures of your Rube Goldberg Machine
- Lists the energy transfers.
- Example webpage

Evaluation:

Grading:

Criteria		Multiplier	Points
Number of Energy Transfers	[5]	x 18	[Maximum of 90]
Number of Inches Exit is above entrance	[20]	x 0.5	[Maximum of 10]
Total			100

On demo day you will get two tries to test your machine individually for grading. The best score of the two trials wil be your final grade. During each of these trials you can touch your machine once if something fails, but you will not receive credit for the transfer that failed.

Examples

Some videos of previous years' machines:
Cracking an egg
Pouring a can of soda with a mouse
Pouring soda with Dominoes

Famous Honda 'Cog' Commercial:
Quicktime
Flash

A really sweet Rube Goldberg machine - as cool as Honda's 'Cog' Commerical

Another Rube Goldberg Machine

OK Go Music Video Rube Goldberg Machine

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's article on the Spring 2002 machines.