Returning CD-ROM Wheel

Intro: Returning CD-ROM Wheel

This science project wil show you how to make a returning CD-ROM wheel.
This experiment is usually done with a tin can, but here you can see what is happening inside.
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/791395/returning_cd_rom_wheel

STEP 1: Get 2 Used CD-ROM

Get 2 used CD-ROM's. These will be the 2 sides of the wheel.

STEP 2: Drilling Template

Draw the following template with a CD-ROM. The 4 rounded holes will be needed to assemble the wheel. The 2 holes marked with a square are the elastic band holes for the interior mechanism.

STEP 3: Prepare to Drill

Cut the template and stack it on top of the 2 CD-ROMs

STEP 4: Drill the 6 Holes

Use a dremel to drill the 6 holes

STEP 5: Drilled CD-ROM

You will get the following:
In yellow: 2 holes for the elastic bands
In red: 4 holes for the mounting screws

STEP 6: Dowels

Get a dowel and masking tape.
Cut 4 pieces of dowel, each one the width of a masking tape as shown.

STEP 7: Internal Mechanism

Get a heavy bolt and a piece of string. Attach the bolt with the string. This will be the internal mechanism that will make the CD-ROM wheel return.

STEP 8: Assembly

Assemble the dowels to the 2 CD-ROMs with 4 screws.
Insert 2 elastic bands in the elastic holes and hold them with nails as shown. The elastics bands need to cross in the middle of the assembly.

STEP 9: Test

Attach the bolt at the intersection of the elastic bands.
Gently roll the CD-ROM wheel away from you.
It will roll forward, stop and return back!
You can see the results on the following video:

Comments

[nedfunnell]

Bill Nye did this once- but he also stepped the experiment up at few notches by constructing one in a 55 gallon drum, using a bag of sand as the weight. I've love to get a shot of the inside of a 55-gallon one so I could make my own.

[mrmath]

It's the Hutchenson Effect!

[Dark_Helmet]

Oh no! Not the Hutchenson Effect!

[advoo]

CD-ROM with Aluminium coating, copper bolt, iron nails ... there is case for some pseudo-Hutchinson energy!

[iKill]

lol very very far off.... this doesn't even have a magnet, oh and its the Hutchinson Effect... but still this is very very cool. Sorry to be rude

[joejoerowley]

If you do it in a can you can say that you are magician!