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Fliptoy: Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

  • Troubleshooting 1: Clothespin won’t move at all Cause of the problem and how to fix it * Cause: When clothespin drops down, it should fold the top string over the lower string, making two X’s in the string. See photo below: two X’s in the string

String crosses itself twice For this to happen, the clothespin has to be pointing up when it is attached across the two strings

  • Fix: Remove the clothespin and place it so it is pointing up across the two strands of string.

    • Before and after

      Before After

    • Other possible causes and fixes

      • Cause: Clothespin is not attached to both top and bottom strands of string.
      • Fixes: Reposition clothespin so it grabs both strands of string, or replace smaller clothespin with larger one that can grab both top and bottom strands

  • Troubleshooting 2: Clothespin won’t go all the way up

    • Cause of the problem and how to fix it

      • Cause: In order to go up, the string has to stretch wide, when the sticks (levers) are pressed at the bottom. According to the Law of the Lever, this can’t happen if the fulcrum is too high.
      • Fix:: Remove the clothespin and place it so it is pointing up across the two strands of string.

      Materials for Large Toy

    • Before and after

      Materials for Large Toy Materials for Large Toy

    • Other possible causes and fixes

      • Cause: : String is too loose.

      • Fixes: Retape string to make it tighter:

        Materials for Large Toy Materials for Large Toy

  • Troubleshooting 3: Clothespin won’t go all the way down

    • Cause of the problem and how to fix it

      • Cause: Gravity is the force that brings the clothespin down. If it won’t go all the way down, it needs more weight, to increase the force of gravity.

      • Fix: Add a weight to the clothespin. A penny is cheap and easy to find See photo below: Materials for Large Toy

    • Before and after

      Materials for Large Toy Materials for Large Toy

Other possible causes and fixes * Cause: : String is too tight * Fixes: Loosen string slightly. This is the opposite problem and fix from Troubleshooting