Mouse Trap Powered Water Bottle Rocket Launcher
In this video I elaborate on a project from my childhood. I built a mouse trap powered water bottle rocket launcher using inexpensive parts from the hardware store. This is a fun summer project that is great for kids!
The 3D printing files are available for purchase here.
Materials:
1/2” pvc pipe: https://homedepot.sjv.io/oYPJE
90 deg elbow: https://homedepot.sjv.io/0VXzE
end cap: https://homedepot.sjv.io/bYvgb
Mouse traps: https://amzn.to/2McEp5Z
air compressor adapters: https://homedepot.sjv.io/R7YDR
1/4” aluminum channel
2x M4 12mm screws.
The basic idea is that you take a soda bottle (any size will work) and slide it over a 1/2 inch piece of pvc pipe. You lock the soda bottle in place and pressurize it using a bike pump or air compressor. When you release the bottle it will shoot up into the air 40 feet or more. Adding water can make the bottle go higher and get any bystanders wet.
First you need to print out the base enclosure, locking fork, and lever. Next cut two 8” pieces of pvc pipe. Cut two pieces of aluminum channel to 3 3/4”. Drill a hole in the pvc end cap to accept the air compressor or bike pump adapter and thread it into the end cap. Attach the mouse trap the the base enclosure using hot glue or CA glue. Alternatively you can drill small holes and insert screws. Slide the two pieces of aluminum channel into their slots. Slide the locking fork into the aluminum channels. Attach the locking fork button to the locking fork stem. Slide the lever over the mouse trap arm. Align the lever slot with the M4 holes in the locking fork and insert both screws. Insert horizontal pvc pipe with 90 degree elbow from the side into the proper hole. Install the end cap with pump/compressor adapter. Insert vertical pvc pipe from the top. You are ready for launch!
