Wind-up Sailboat

 

The Wind-up Sailboat is a small toy boat that can move around in water.

• A child simply needs to wind the small knob on the side of the boat in order to make the rudder spin. The spinning rudder will make the boat move forward when placed in water. Airflow against the sail will contribute to the steering of the vessel.
• The Wind-up Sailboat displays basic principles that involve vectors and the effects of these different forces on the direction of an object. Ages: 4-8.
• The boat will be made almost entirely from plastic (with small metal peices for the inner mechanical workings), and fabric for the sail. Estimated cost: $8.00.

Zari Salimnejad

Carnegie Mellon University

January 26, 2010