Welcome to the December 2023 Rock Solid Challenge!
The objective is to construct a device that not only protects the egg during a fall but also ensures its rapid descent. The winner will be determined by whose egg descends the quickest without breaking.
Rules for December 2023:
- Objective: Create a device to safely drop an egg from a set height quickly. Egg must remain intact.
- Materials: Limited to $5 budget. Keep receipts for verification.
- Drop Height: From the top window of the organizing parent's house. The contraption can be thrown with force.
- Timing: Measured with a 240 fps iPhone 8+ camera for accuracy. The time is taken from the moment it leaves the thrower's hand, until the contraption touches the ground.
- Inspection: All devices inspected for compliance before the drop.
- Eggs: Provided on-site. Random selection from a fresh carton.
- Reusable Design: Must work for two drops without part replacement. Longer drop time counts.
- Size and Weight: The contraption must encase the egg and must not exceed a weight of 1 kilogram.
- Safety: Ensuring safety is paramount, both for those launching the contraption and for bystanders observing or passing by. The organizing parent holds responsibility for maintaining a safe environment.
- Scoring: Fastest intact egg drop wins.
- Prize: Winner gets a $20 prize.
Note: Organizing parent funds the prize. Participants fund their designs from their lunch money.
PrintThe 2023 winner design is metal ball filled with popcorn and wood glue and a bit of ducktape, this is how it looked after the throw:
I threw it with force from the roof:
