This is a Tower Crane Working Model that demonstrates both 360° horizontal rotation using a robo motor, and vertical lifting using a slow DC motor.
Such cranes are used in real construction to lift and move heavy materials. This model shows how motors, pulleys, and simple circuits help in lifting and rotating heavy loads efficiently.
Materials Needed
- Cardboard (for base, tower, and crane arm)
- Robo motor (for 360° horizontal rotation)
- Slow DC motor (for vertical lift movement)
- 9V battery + battery clip
- 2 On/Off switches (one for each motor)
- Woolen thread or strong string
- Small plastic hook or paper cup (as the load container)
- Straws/skewers (to guide string)
- Nut bolt or ball bearing (for rotating platform)
- Glue gun, scissors, tape
- Color paper (for decoration)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Base and Tower
- Create a sturdy cardboard base (~30×30 cm).
- Build a vertical tower from cardboard (~30 cm tall) and attach it to the base.
Step 2: 360° Rotating Platform
- On top of the tower, add a rotating platform made of cardboard.
- Fix the robo motor below this platform.
- Attach the crane arm (long horizontal cardboard piece) to this platform so that it can rotate when the motor runs.
Step 3: Crane Arm and Vertical Lifting Mechanism
- At the end of the crane arm, fix a slow DC motor vertically.
- Wind woolen thread around the motor’s shaft (you can use a small straw or cap as spool).
- Attach a small paper cup or hook to the free end of the thread — this will lift or lower the load when the motor runs.
Step 4: Wiring
- Connect both motors to a 9V battery with separate switches:
- Switch 1 controls horizontal rotation (robo motor).
- Switch 2 controls vertical movement (slow DC motor).
Step 5: Test the Model
- Turn on Switch 1: The crane should rotate in a circle.
- Turn on Switch 2: The hook or container should lift or lower.