Overview
I am really glad with my propeller and rubber band system that firstly used in my Flying Fairy https://makerworld.com/en/models/13166#profileId-13986 .
I wanted to use it in other projects as well, so this is my rubber band engine for paper airplanes :)
Instruction of assembly
To use it you need paper airplane. I tested it mostly with this model.
However after make it you have to cut “nose” of the airplane and you can strengthen it with tape like at gif below. This step is not necessary but make easier snap paper airplane into frame and prevent paper before damage.
If you have airplane then bend propeller blade about 45 degree like on photo below
And slide the hook of the propeller into hole of the frame and attach rubber bands
Next slide whole engine into airplane using bottom catch
Winding up
To start flying you have to wind up rubber band with propeller. You can make it simply with finger or use my tool for electric screwdriver.
Rubber bands
You can use rubber bands with whatever length, however they should be thin enough to fit them into propeller hook. If they are short you can simply connect them with themself or you can use appropriate ribs in the frame to attach them closer. Best result I achived by using two rows of rubber bands. Then strength of propeller is quite good. But be carefull, if you overdo with strengthof rubber bands then opposing force of propeller can twist whole paper plane in flight. You have to experiment a bit to adjust it.
To prevent counter force of propeller try to bend up a steer at opposite wing like at photo. It depends which side you wind propeller.
Flights
I flew indoors because wind blown outside. Below some flights.
Modification
In files there is frame and propeller in fusion360 format, so you can easy modify whole engine to your paper airplanes and experiment with it. Simply change some dimensions in sketches or propeller shape and have fun :)
Common problem
Sometimes propeller doesn't want to spin easily and something is block it. Common problem with this situation is “elephant foot” in engine frame https://help.prusa3d.com/article/elephant-foot-compensation_114487 . You have to simply cut foot with knife.
If propeller still doesn't work smooth you can always give a small drop of oil for example silicon oil to base of propeller and it will work better.
If you have any suggestion, let me know :)
Have Fun :)
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