Ferris Wheel by Paper Straw ( Eco Friendly Materials)

Welcome to an exciting hands-on project where creativity meets engineering! In this activity, we will guide you through building a Giant Ferris Wheel working model using simple materials like straws, a motor, and laser-cut pieces. Designed especially for school kids, this project introduces the principles of mechanics, motion, and design in a fun and engaging way.

Laser-Cut Pieces for the Ferris Wheel

The precision and aesthetic appeal of the Ferris wheel model are enhanced with laser-cut pieces. These components are provided in the attachment and are essential for assembling the wheel's connectors and any decorative elements.

Laser Cutting Setup

To prepare these pieces, follow the recommended settings for your 80W laser tube:

1. Power: 40%
2. Speed: 12 mm/s

These settings ensure clean and accurate cuts for the provided design files. Be sure to double-check the material thickness and adjust if necessary to prevent over burning or incomplete cuts.

Download Link : https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/18B5kDGkKTE5R6L5vq4vc3qsKb-quPv9d?usp=sharing

1. Straws 6mm paper Straw
2. Motor: BO01- low rpm motor
3. Laser-Cut Pieces: Design by me

To bring my Ferris wheel model to life, we'll start with the framework—the heart of the wheel's structure. In this step, we'll focus on creating the first part of the Ferris wheel using straws and connectors.

Step 1: Building the Framework ( use the Picture for the Reference)

1. Prepare Your Materials: Gather the pre-cut straws and the specially designed connectors. These connectors ensure that the straws join securely, forming the shape of the Ferris wheel.
2. Connect the Straws: Begin attaching the straws to the connectors as per the assembly guide. Each connection will form a segment of the Ferris wheel.
3. cut straw in 2 equal half's.

Now that we’ve assembled the outer ring of the Ferris wheel, it’s time to build the support structure. This crucial part will ensure stability and allow the wheel to rotate smoothly. Using straws and the custom connectors, follow these steps to create the supports.

Refer to the Design Pictures: Use the reference images to visualize the arrangement of the support beams and connectors. This will guide you in creating the right angles and dimensions for the structure. Use the BO Motors too.

With the Ferris wheel's main frame complete, it's time to give it the stability it needs. In this step, we'll design and assemble the support structure using the straws and connectors. Follow the pictures and the steps below to guide you through the process:

Now that your Ferris wheel model is fully assembled, it's time to bring it to life! In this final step, we'll power up the wheel for smooth, slow operation. Here's how:

Adding the Power Source

1. Insert the Battery: Use a single AA battery to power the motor. Place it in the battery holder, ensuring the correct polarity (+/-).
2. Startup the Motor: Gently switch on the motor. You’ll see the Ferris wheel begin to rotate at a steady pace, just like a real amusement park ride.

Fine-Tuning the Speed

To achieve the ideal speed, I experimented with different voltages using a voltage regulator. The perfect voltage for smooth operation was determined to be 1.4V. This ensures that the wheel runs steadily without being too fast or jerky.

1. If you have a voltage regulator, try adjusting the voltage slightly to see how it affects the speed and performance.
2. For the best results, give the wheel a small manual startup push to overcome any initial resistance in the motor.