Clementoni Science & Play TechnoLogic Mechanics Laboratory 75025 Assembly Instructions Manual

2

MECHANICS

Laboratory

Constructions

-

Stacking two beams

12

-

Stacking beams with two pegs

13

-

Joining beams

14

-

Stacking three beams

15

-

Stacking beams perpendicularly

16

-

Stacking with an angled beam

17

-

Build a square with beams

18

-

Stacking four beams

19

-

Build a cuboid

20

-

Build a simple bridge

21

-

Assemble cogwheels on a rod

22

-

Using pulleys

23

-

Build a class 1 lever: pincers

24

-

Build a class 2 lever: nutcracker

25

-

Build a class 2 lever: wheelbarrow

26

12

to

41

Build a class 3 lever: tongs

-

27

Build the lever's fulcrum and weight

-

28

Assemble and test a mechanically advantaged lever

-

29

Assemble and test a mechanically neutral lever

-

30

Assemble and test a mechanically disadvantaged lever

-

31

Assemble a set of scales

-

32

Build and test a seesaw

-

33

Assemble the test stand for reverse rotation

-

34

Build and test forward rotation

-

35

Assemble and test reciprocating motion

-

36

Build and observe right-angle rotation

-

37

Assemble a vertical gearbox

-

38

Build a horizontal to vertical gearbox

-

39

An ancient war machine: the battering ram

-

40

Build a catapult

-

41

WARNING

In order to ensure correct
function of the electric
motor, a small quantity of
grease is added during the
manufacturing process. As
grease can melt at high
temperatures, it may dirty
the motor. However, it can
simply be wiped off with a
piece of kitchen paper or a
napkin. The grease used is
neither toxic nor hazardous.

Only for use by children aged 8 years and older.

WARNING!

Instructions for parents are included and have to

be observed.

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUPERVISING ADULTS: this toy is suitable for children aged 8 years and over. Adult

supervision is recommended during assembly and when handling and installing electrical components.

REMOVING AND INSTALLING THE BATTERIES

Make sure that the equipment is switched off.

1 Use a screwdriver to loosen the screw that secures the cover to the battery chamber.
2 Remove the old batteries.
3 Insert (4 x 1.5V AA/LR6). Make sure the positive and negative ends of the batteries match the direction indi-

cated on the battery chamber.

4 The batteries must be inserted by an adult.
5 Close the battery chamber and tighten the screw.
6 Make sure that the equipment is working properly.

INSERTING THE BATTERIES

Ask an adult for help!

Power supply: 6V DC
Batteries: 4 x 1.5V AA/LR6

Batteries not included.

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Batteries are dangerous if swallowed; keep away from children.

• Always remove batteries prior to long-term storage.

• Do not try to open the batteries.

• Do not throw batteries into a fire.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CORRECT USE OF PRODUCTS WITH REPLACEABLE BATTERIES

WARNING!

• Batteries must be installed by an adult.

• The + and - symbols on the batteries must be lined up correctly.

• Old batteries must be removed from the product.

• The power terminal block must not be short-circuited.

• Never touch the contacts inside the battery case, as this could cause a short circuit.

• The rechargeable batteries must be removed prior to being charged. Only recharge under adult supervision.

• Never attempt to recharge non-rechargeable batteries.

• Different types of batteries or new and used batteries should not be used at the same time.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR BATTERY DISPOSAL

The symbol indicates that dead batteries must be disposed of in accordance with current regulations

for waste disposal. Chemical symbols for mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and/or led (Pb) which appear
below the crossed out wheelie bin symbol indicate that there is a significant percentage of the relative
substance in the battery. These substances are highly damaging to the environment and human health. The
correct disposal of batteries allows their isolation and the targeted treatment of harmful substances, and
allows recycling of precious primary materials, reducing negative effects on persons and the environment.
The disposal of worn-out batteries in landfills or the environment significantly increases the risk of water
pollution. Pursuant to European Directive 2013/56/EU, it is prohibited to dispose of batteries and accumulators
as urban waste and consumers are obliged to participate in separated waste collection so as to facilitate the
treatment and recycling of the same.

2

HOW TO DISPOSE OF BATTERIES:

Discharge the batteries completely by leaving on the product until the batteries have fully run out. Remove
the batteries from the product before disposal. Dispose of all batteries in accordance with current regula­tions, by using the appropriate containers at an authorised recycling centre or by returning them to the shop
where they were purchased. Returning them is free! Penalties are applied for incorrect disposal.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE DISPOSAL OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES SUBJECT TO SEPA­RATE WASTE DISPOSAL

IMPORTANT! The crossed out wheelie bin symbol indicates that in European Union member states
(Dir. 2012/19/EU) and in those that adopt separated waste collection systems, all components of the
product marked by this symbol (or indicated as such in the product instructions) are subject to sepa­rated waste collection laws at the end of their life. It is prohibited to dispose of such components as
mixed urban waste.

HOW TO DISPOSE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES:

• It is mandatory to separately collect those components marked by the symbol (or indicated as

such in the relevant documentation) and deliver them to authorised recycling centres for the purposes
established, or where possible, to return the product for disposal back to the shop when a similar
product is purchased, or for free in the event the external dimensions of the component are less than
25 cm.

• Users of the product play a critical role in ensuring the correct disposal of electrical and electronic

equipment that has reached the end of its life. It is therefore important for each user to be aware of their
role and to always dispose of electrical/electronic waste in accordance with current legislation, thereby
contributing to the correct management of waste and encouraging its reuse, recycling and/or recovery.

WARNING!

Components marked by the symbol contain substances that are harmful to the environment and human
health. It is therefore prohibited to dispose of them as mixed urban waste or together with other domestic waste.
Incorrect disposal may result in damage to the environment and may be punished by the law. These components
should not be used improperly. In particular, it is prohibited to remove the electrical and electronic parts from
the toy or use the toy if damaged. These actions could cause health hazards.

N.B.: The above information only relates to the parts of the toy marked with the prohibitive symbol
(or those parts indicated in the information leaflet as being subject to this restriction).

Other product components (cards, accessories, etc.) and their packaging are not subject to the above described
indications and must be disposed of according to the methods provided for by current standards. These other
components do not need to be delivered to authorised recycling centres for electrical and electronic equipment
or returned to the shop when a new product is purchased.

Domestic users (non-professional) are invited to contact their local retailer, the public waste disposal authorities
or the Customer Service Department of CLEMENTONI S.p.A. (Tel. [phone]; fax [phone];
e-mail: info@clementoni. it) for further information about the correct way to dispose of the product.

Registered on the electronic and electrical manufacturers’ register: REGISTRATION IN PROGRESS.

3

INTRODUCTION

The MECHANICS LABORATORY is a construction toy system that enables children to create all kinds of
machines, from simple models like pincers, tongs and carts, to more complex assemblies like cars and
cranes with electric motors.
The illustrated booklet consists of three parts and describes all the steps necessary to build each model.
It is essential to refer to this booklet, starting with Part I and then moving on to Part II and finally Part III.

A class 1 lever: pincers

Car with manual gearbox
and electric motor

Children can use their inventiveness to create their own realistic models which follow the essential principles of
physics and mechanics.
The child's developing mind, aided by their imagination, will seek to understand the relationships and distances
between the various parts as they build the model, contributing to the child's blossoming creativity.

The activities have varying degrees of difficulty and are suitable for children aged 7-8 years and over, depending
on the child’s own individual abilities.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety advice
Instructions for correct use of products with replaceable batteries
Introduction
Parts list
How the pieces are made
Characteristics of the kit components
Activities

Crane with electric motor

page
page
page
page
page
page
page

2
2
4
5
5
5
7

4

PARTS LIST

Double beam 15 holes 4 pcs

Double beam 11 holes 4 pcs

Double beam 9 holes 4 pcs

Double beam 7 holes 4 pcs

Double beam 5 holes 4 pcs

Double beam 3 holes 4 pcs

Beam with pins 4 pcs

Beam with pegs 4 pcs

Right angle gearbox 2 pcs

Single beam 3 holes 4 pcs

Angled beam (top) 4 pcs

Angled beam (bottom) 2 pcs

Short single peg 32 pcs

Long single peg 32 pcs

Short double peg 32 pcs

Long collar 24 pcs

Short collar 24 pcs

Rod 1 2.7 cm long 2 pcs

Single beam 15 holes 4 pcs

Single beam 13 holes 4 pcs

Single beam 9 holes 4 pcs

Single beam 7 holes 4 pcs

Single beam 5 holes 4 pcs

Rod 2 3.6 cm long 4 pcs

Rod 3 5.4 cm long 10 pcs

Rod 4 7.2 cm long 2 pcs

Rod 5 8.1 cm long 2 pcs

Rod 6 11.7 cm long 2 pcs

5

Cogwheel with 10 teeth 1 pc

Cogwheel with 18 teeth 5 pcs

Cogwheel with 26 teeth 1 pc

Car body 2 pcs

Cogwheel with 41 teeth 1 pc

Spool 1 pc

Pulley 4 pcs

Hook 1 pc

Crank 2 pcs

Steering wheel 1 pc

Wheel rim 4 pcs

String (150 cm long) 1 pc

Electric motor 1 pc

Battery compartment 1 pc

Elastic band 3 pcs

Small tyre (for pulley) 4 pcs

Large tyre 4 pcs

6

Toothed rod 1 pc

ACTIVITIES

Before you start building, observe carefully how the parts of the kit are made!
If you get stuck, ask an adult for help.

WARNING!

• Take care when detaching the parts from the plastic frame. Use your hands to gently rotate
each element. Never just pull them off.

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cogwheels etc., with varying degrees of resistance and tightness. Try adjusting the position of

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Warning! In the assembly steps, different icons indicate when the model needs to be
rotated, when to tighten the pieces, when to use a beam with pins or one with pegs.

•

Key

Rotate the

180°

model.

Stacking two beams

12

Stacking beams with two pegs

13

The two pegs make the construction very strong!

The pieces need
to be tightened

Beam
with pins

Beam with
pegs

X1 X2

Assembled beams

X2 X2

Joining beams

14

Assembled beams

X2 X3

Assembled beams

7

Stacking three beams

15

Stacking beams perpendicularly

16

X2

X3

Assembled beams

X1 X2

Stacking with an angled beam

17

8

X2

Assembled beams

X1

X1

Assembled beams

Build a square with beams

18

Stacking four beams

19

X4 X4

Final assembled model

X4 X4 X2

3

3

3

Final assembled model

1:1

3

9

Build a cuboid

20

1

X3

X2

X8

X2

Semi-assembled

model

2

X1

X2

X8

X2

10

Final assembled

model

Build a simple bridge

21

Assemble cogwheels on a rod

22

41

26

18

4

X1

X4

X4

Final assembled

model

X1

X1

41

26

X1

4

18

X1

1:1

Using pulleys

23

Create a pulley system using the pulley
and string.

4

Try it out as a spinning top!

Transform the pulley into a wheel with the elastic band.

2

1:1

2

assembled model

Final

X1

X1 X1

2

11

SIMPLE MACHINES

Since ancient times humans
have made use of many of these
mechanisms to increase our
strength and accomplish much
greater things than we could
with our bodies alone.

Seesaw

Wheelbarrow

Pincers

Nutcracker

Scales

A simple machine is a mechanical device that can be used to balance and overcome RESISTANCE
(weight, resistance force = R) with EFFORT (human strength=E).

Pulley

LEVERS

A lever is a simple machine that is made
up of a rigid bar which can rotate around a
fixed point called the fulcrum.

FULCRUM EFFORTRESISTANCE

• Pairs of levers also obey this principle.

• Levers are classified by the relative positions of the EFFORT, RESISTANCE and FULCRUM.

12

Build a class 1 lever: pincers

24

1

3

2

X4

3

X1

1

X8 X2

X1

X1

X4 X2X2

X2

3

1

X2

1:1

1:1

3

THE FULCRUM lies between the

RESISTANCE and the EFFORT.

1

Final assembled model

3

13

Build a class 2 lever: nutcracker

25

X2

X2

X1

2

X4X2 X2

X2

2

Build a class 2 lever: wheelbarrow

26

X2

X2

X1

X2X2

3

X2

X4 X4

X1

X1

The RESISTANCE lies between
the EFFORT and
the FULCRUM.

Final assembled model

3

14

1:1

1:1

The RESISTANCE lies

between the EFFORT

and the

FULCRUM.

2

Final assembled model

3

Build a class 3 lever: tongs

27

1

X4

X2

X1

X2

X1

X1

X2

3

X4

2

X3

X1

X2

X2

Final assembled model

3

The EFFORT lies

between the

RESISTANCE and

the FULCRUM.

1:1

3

15

Scientific analysis: mechanical advantage with levers

A lever is a simple machine built by man designed to reduce the force needed to do work. There are two
forces that are applied to the bar: one is the EFFORT and the other is the RESISTANCE. A lever provides a
MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE. You can calculate a lever's mechanical advantage by considering the length of
the arms of the EFFORT and RESISTANCE forces. The length of the arms corresponds to the distance from the
fulcrum to the point where the force is applied.

ra

ea

R

FULCRUM

Key: = EFFORT arm

ea
ra

= RESISTANCE arm

E

= EFFORT force

R

= RESISTANCE force

CONDITIONS FOR EQUILIBRIUM x = x

MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE A = /

ASSEMBLE AND TEST THE LEVERS

Build the lever's fulcrum and weight

28

1

E

ra

R E

X1

X4

X1

ea

R

E

X3

X2

X7

16

X2

2

3

X1

3

X4X2

ASSEMBLING THE
WEIGHT

X1

X1

X2

X2

X1

X1

Assembled weight

In Activities 29-30-31 try moving the fulcrum and then applying down­ward pressure to the EFFORT arm with your hand to see the differences
between the levers.

Assemble and test a mechanically advantaged lever

29

FULCRUM

Find the equilibrium of this type of mechanical

EFFORT

device: position the weight (RESISTANCE) on one
side of the lever and gently press down with your
hand (EFFORT) on the other side.

3

3

3

X2

X2

X2

X2

X1

RESISTANCE

X2

X2

X2

X2

Note the position of the fulcrum!

• The EFFORT arm is longer.

• The EFFORT is less than the RESISTANCE.

TRY IT OUT!

1:1

3

Note: slide
a collar

onto
the rod at the
fulcrum to
secure

the

lever, as shown

.

Final assembled model

17

Assemble and test a mechanically neutral lever

30

FULCRUM

Find the equilibrium of this type of
mechanical device: position the weight
(RESISTANCE) on one side of the lever
and gently press down with your hand
(EFFORT) on the other side.

Note the position of the fulcrum!

• The arms are the same.

• The EFFORT is equal to the RESISTANCE.

EFFORT

RESISTANCE

Note: slide a collar
onto the rod at the
fulcrum to secure
the

TRY IT OUT!

Final assembled model

Assemble and test a mechanically disadvantaged lever

31

FULCRUM

X1

Find the equilibrium of this type of mechanical
device: position the weight (RESISTANCE) on
one side of the lever and gently press down
with your hand (EFFORT) on the other side.

EFFORT

X1

lever, as shown

.

Note the position of the fulcrum!

• The RESISTANCE arm is longer.

• The EFFORT is greater than the

RESISTANCE.

TRY IT OUT!

18

RESISTANCE

Note: slide
a collar
the rod at the
fulcrum to
secure
lever, as shown

Final assembled model

onto

the

.

Assemble a set of scales

32

X2

X2

X1

X2

X1

X3

X4

X3X6

3

3

The scales are is a class 1 lever

Final assembled model

Build and test a seesaw

33

2

3

TRY IT OUT!

3

X2

1

X2

X2

X2

X2

X1

X2

X4

2
3

X6

1:1

3

2

3

1:1

2

19

In the third century BC, Archimedes
was a great scientist and experimenter
with levers.

Note

: the lever of the seesaw must

rotate freely around the fulcrum.

X2

X4

2

Try it yourself: find the equilibrium
of the seesaw by varying the weight
and distances from the fulcrum of

the Resistance and Effort forces.

TRY IT OUT!

20

The seesaw is a class 1 lever

Final assembled model

COGWHEELS

Cogwheels transmit motion between suitably positioned axles (rods) via teeth.

• In a pair of cogwheels, if one turns in one direction the other turns in the opposite direction. One
of the two wheels transmits the motion (driving wheel) while the other receives it (driven wheel).

•

To maintain the same direction of rotation a third cogwheel must be inserted between the two.

• With two different cogwheels, the smaller one, with only a few teeth, is called the pinion, while
the other one, with lots of teeth, is called the crown wheel. Multiple cogwheels make up a gear
train.

Assemble the test stand for reverse rotation

34

X2

X2

X4

X2

X12

1

Assembled
stand

21

X1

X2

X2

2

18

18

X1
X1

X1 X1

18

3

4

Anticlockwise

22

Clockwise

Final assembled model

1:1

1:1

3

4

3

4

Build and test forward rotation

35

X1

X3

18

X2
X1

X1X1X4

3

4

Stand assembled in
Activity 34

12

18

18

18

4

3

3

Clockwise

Clockwise

1:1

1:1

3

4

Final assembled model

23

Assemble and test reciprocating motion

36

X1

X2

X2

41

X1

2

X1

26

4

X5X4

X1

X1

X1

Stand assembled in
Activity 34

2

4

4

1

180°

26

24

Final assembled model

1:1

41

2

1:1

4

2

2

Build and observe right-angle rotation

37

Stand assembled in
Activity 34

1

180°

2

X3

X4 X2X4

X2

18

X2 X1

X5

X1

X1

X2

3

X1

3

6

X1

6

18

18

3

The two cogwheels
must engage with
each other at right
angles, with the two
rods almost touching.

1:1

1:1

3

6

Final assembled model

25

Assemble a vertical gearbox

38

X2 X4

X2

X1

X1

Stand assembled in
Activity 34

12

180°

3

41

X1

26

41

180°

1:1

X1

10

X1
X1

X1X2X1

2

4

10

2

4

Final assembled model

2

1:1

4

Build a horizontal to vertical gearbox

39

26

X2

X1

X1

2

2

Stand assembled in
Activity 38

1

2

GEAR RATIO

Watch the cogwheels carefully as they turn and compare the
number of rotations completed by each wheel. By the time the
larger cogwheel has completed one rotation the smaller one

willhavecompletedfour.Youcanconrmthisbydividingor

working out the ratio between the number of teeth on each
cogwheel.
Example: how to calculate the gear ratio.

41 teeth (larger wheel)
10 teeth (smaller wheel)

= 4.1 rotations

1:1

26

Final assembled model

2

27

An ancient war machine: the battering ram

40

1

X4

X2 X2

X2

Front

X2

X1

26

X1

X2

X1

X3

X1

1

2

3

X1

41

X3X2

X2

5

2

28

1:1

3

5

41

1

1:1

1

3

5

3

3

2

26

1:1

1:1

2

1

X2X6

X1

X4

X4

X1

X1

4

X1

X2

X1

X10

3

3

X2

X3

X1

X1

4

Final assembled model

3

1:1

1:1

3

4

Front

3

4

29

Build a catapult

41

X4

X1

5

X1

Technical facts and curiosities

Third century BC

Archimedes perfected the
catapult, a war machine in
use in Greece at the time of
Alexander the Great.
It is a torsion machine which,
in his time, drew its energy
from tightening bundles of
rope and hair (torsion ropes).
On release, the tension in the
ropes launched the bowl of
the catapult forwards,
hurling large rocks and stone
into the air.

Technical and scientific
information

X2

1

5

2

X2

X2

X4 X2X2

Its design was derived from
the study of physics and
mathematics.
The dimensions of the
elastic bands (torsion ropes)
were chosen in relation to
the weight of the stones
and distance to the target
(range).

30

1:1

5

X3

X2

X1

3

X2

2

X2

X2

X6

3

3

3

X1

X4

X1

X1

X2

6
3

2

4

1:1

1:1

2

3

Final assembled model

1:1

1:1

3

6

3

6

31

Clementoni S.p.A.

Zona Industriale Fontenoce, s.n.c.

- 62019 Recanati (MC) - Italy

Tel. [phone] - Fax [phone]

www.clementoni.com