[Creative Treasure Box EP3] What should we eat later? Let the lunch slot machine decide for you!

Hello everyone, I'm Teacher Sloth! In this series, Teacher Sloth will share some block creations, some may be complex mechanical designs, while others may be simple model creations, so that every time you click on an article, it's like opening a "Creative Treasure Box," always full of unexpected surprises!

As the saying goes, there are three great challenges in life: What to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

With so many delicious foods and snacks available nowadays, deciding what to eat at mealtimes has become a daily dilemma. Sometimes, even after walking around for ages, it’s still hard to make a decision—an all-too-common problem for modern people.

To solve this issue, today we’ll use Gigo blocks to build a lunch slot machine to help you decide your next meal!

★ Parts Preparation

Here are the parts needed for this model. Don’t forget to prepare an extra rubber band!

★ Assembly Steps

Main Structure

1. Connect a C-5×10 FRAME with two B-SHORT PEG. You will need to make two of these.

2. Attach the B-SHORT PEG to both sides of the C-5×13 DUAL FRAME, then assemble the structures made in Step 1 onto it.

3. Cover the top with a C-5×10 FRAME to complete the main structure of the model.

Turntable

1. Bend two C-BENDED ROD into circles, and insert B-SHORT PEG into the holes on the top and bottom sides.

2. Use a C-5 HOLE ROD to connect the two circles, and attach the C-ROD CONNECTOR.

3. Use a C-150mm AXLEⅠ to connect the turntable, 20T GEAR, and C-AXLE FIXING to the main structure.

4. Place a C-5 HOLE ROD above the 20T GEAR on the side.

5. Use the C-AXLE CONNECTOR to attach another C-5 HOLE ROD on the right side.

※Make sure the C-5 HOLE ROD securely locks the gear in place!

6.  Attach a B-SHORT PEG to the top of the main structure. Thread a rubber band through the C-5 HOLE ROD and secure it onto the B-SHORT PEG.

Meal Cards

1. Design your own meal cards. You can use the sample template below for modification. The recommended dimensions are approximately 16cm × 3cm

Sample Template:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yfWpE2edMkzSNzgllix4DKExq6rWHLwY/view?usp=sharing

2. Attach the meal cards to the turntable, and your lunch slot machine model is complete!

★ How to Play

Hold down the handle on the left side, then rotate the axle on the right. Release the handle at your chosen moment to stop the mechanism and see which meal is selected!

★ Scientific Principle

This model is based on the scientific principle of the ratchet mechanism, which is a type of simple machine.

A ratchet allows linear reciprocating motion or rotational motion to proceed in only one direction, preventing the transmission mechanism from reversing.

In this model, we use a C-5 HOLE ROD and a 20T GEAR as the ratchet mechanism. This setup ensures that the axle can only rotate forward. Additionally, the C-5 HOLE ROD locks the 20T GEAR in place after each spin, stopping the axle and revealing the selected meal!

★ Postscript

Even something as simple as "I don’t know what to eat" can inspire creativity, just like many popular inventions that were created to solve small everyday problems. So, next time you're lacking creative inspiration, try thinking about the challenges you've recently faced!
The treasure box of creativity holds many more unique ideas—let’s look forward to the next creative reveal!

Keywords:
Lunch Slot Machine, Ratchet, Creative Model, Shape Design, Teacher Sloth, Gigo Blocks

Curriculum Reference:

ETS1-4: Develop a model to illustrate that a device can be constructed to solve a specific problem.

PS2.A: Forces and Motion—The motion of an object can be described by its speed and direction.

PS2.B: Types of Interactions—Energy can cause changes in motion, including rotation.

ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions—Using simple machines to solve problems and achieve design goals.