Basic Physical Principle / How It Works:The Stirling Truck is based on the principles of heat transfer and thermodynamics. When the truck is filled with ice, or another cold substance, the difference in temperature causes the piston inside the main cylinder to rise and fall while it tries to reach a temperature equilibrium. This motion is harnessed by the use of pistons and cranks connected to a rotating shaft. This rotational motion can then be used to power the small toy truck.
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Target Market / Safety:The Stirling Truck is aimed at children above the age of 10 due to the fragile nature of the engine components. It could also be marketed toward teachers seeking to provide their class with an entertaining and practical demonstration of physics principle. It is recommended that children be supervised when operating this toy since it contains small components.
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Predicted Cost:The predicted cost for the Stirling Truck is relatively high. The anticipated cost is roughly $125. The engine itself is the most crucial and expensive component. Other components such as a gear box and chassis could be easily fabricated from clear ABS plastic. Once the stirling engine can be made cheaply and quickly, the price would fall substantially. |