Mousetrap vehicle too heavy?

[mynameisbob]

Hello, I have constructed my mousetrap vehicle but whenever I try to trigger it, it won't budge. I think it may be too heavy for the mousetrap to handle. It weighs approximately one pound, is that too much? The body is entirely 3D printed and fairly large. so I think that may be an issue.

[builder83]

Hello, I have constructed my mousetrap vehicle but whenever I try to trigger it, it won't budge. I think it may be too heavy for the mousetrap to handle. It weighs approximately one pound, is that too much? The body is entirely 3D printed and fairly large. so I think that may be an issue.

1 lb is really heavy. I have a good sized one and its quite a few times lighter than that weight. Other factors are friction in axles, kill rod too long, wheel diameter too big, etc.

Youtube has a few examples that might get you on the right track. I used 3d printing also, but subbed carbon fiber where I could. But I had fully printed a couple of proto cars under 300 grams, so maybe look at thinning up your stl and go like 10% fill. Tires can be very heavy too, look for better options.

[mnoga]

Hello, I have constructed my mousetrap vehicle but whenever I try to trigger it, it won't budge. I think it may be too heavy for the mousetrap to handle. It weighs approximately one pound, is that too much? The body is entirely 3D printed and fairly large. so I think that may be an issue.

Yes, way too heavy. Last year, our MTV won NorCal States and it weighed approximately 260 grams, or roughly 1/2 pound. And, since it was a C division event, we were allowed to use two mouse traps. You should be able to build something around 200 grams.