Posted by ovyyus (203.26.14.3) on June 12, 2003 at 04:58:51:
In Reply to: I just had to pipe in-a possible minimalist design? posted by Vector Viper on June 12, 2003 at 03:58:03:
Hi Viper,
You said, "...The weight is never moved in or out, so centrifical force is NOT a problem at all..."
I agree, if weights are only able to move around the wheel rim then centrifugal force problems are eliminated.
But we are still left with the problem of the relatively limited gravitational acceleration of a dropped weight. The Draschwitz wheel rotated so fast that descending/falling rim weights would be in free-fall and therefore incapable of applying force against the wheel structure.
Perhaps the banging sound at the descending rim was not the result of falling weights hitting a rim-stop. But rather the weights are lifted/accelerated up and into the descending rim-stop - perhaps with a powerful 'spring'.
Torque applied to the wheel structure is then the result of gravitational overbalance AND reaction of the wheel against the upward acceleration of the weights at the descending rim. Maximum wheel speed is then determined by spring to weight ratio (acceleration period).
In this hypothetical design the weights would not move back and forth between two fixed positions on the rim. Each weight occupies a new rim position every wheel revolution, sequentially moving backwards within the wheel structure.
Of course all that's needed now is a method of 'recharging' the 'acceleration springs' once every wheel rotation :)
Good luck with your design Viper.
Regards, ovyyus
: With all these wheels getting done and spring discussions,
: etc...
: I have a great idea for a 'overbalanced' wheel using only
: ONE weight. If it works, it has to be the simplest design
: ever (if a VERY shaky one). Parts of it has been tested in
: Working model, and it looks promising...in this design, the
: 'wheel' is only used as an energy sink/source, as a flywheel
: giving and taking energy from the separate arm/weight/spring/gear
: assembly attached to it with a belt or chain.
: The weight is never moved in or out, so centrifical force
: is NOT a problem at all.
: Wish me luck on this one, it's way out there designwise...
: Viper