Wheels of Fortune
School Name
Center for Advanced Technical Studies
Grade Level
11th Grade
Presentation Topic
Engineering
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Abstract
A major safety concern in recent years is the amount of injuries resulting from road accidents. While many of these accidents occur between motorized and non-motorized vehicles, an alarming amount occur due to poor road conditions such as loose gravel or potholes. Over half of all traffic fatalities occur with cyclists and non-automotive vehicles. In the US, this amounts to 19,000 deaths. The purpose of our project was to combat this amount by developing a wheel that is capable of changing configurations depending on the environment in which it is placed. We achieved this by 3D designing a wheel that utilized components including a rotary union, long balloon, and syringe to create the inflation device. When tested, the wheel showed a clear difference between its tread configurations (this will be achieved by inflating and deflating the wheel); the wheel’s increased surface area created greater stability as well as less irregularities from gravel at the end of testing.
Recommended Citation
Warren, Aiden; Louden, Mia; and Singletary, Tristen, "Wheels of Fortune" (2022). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 41.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2022/all/41
Location
HSS 109
Start Date
4-2-2022 11:00 AM
Presentation Format
Oral Only
Group Project
Yes
Wheels of Fortune
HSS 109
A major safety concern in recent years is the amount of injuries resulting from road accidents. While many of these accidents occur between motorized and non-motorized vehicles, an alarming amount occur due to poor road conditions such as loose gravel or potholes. Over half of all traffic fatalities occur with cyclists and non-automotive vehicles. In the US, this amounts to 19,000 deaths. The purpose of our project was to combat this amount by developing a wheel that is capable of changing configurations depending on the environment in which it is placed. We achieved this by 3D designing a wheel that utilized components including a rotary union, long balloon, and syringe to create the inflation device. When tested, the wheel showed a clear difference between its tread configurations (this will be achieved by inflating and deflating the wheel); the wheel’s increased surface area created greater stability as well as less irregularities from gravel at the end of testing.
