Posted by MR (207.223.245.49) on October 21, 2003 at 22:10:32:
In Reply to: Conjecture posted by MrTim on October 21, 2003 at 21:33:43:
Theoretically, there are many ways that one as obviously clever as old Johann could devise a wheel in this manner. Perhaps even such that it would only continue turning when set in motion by it's creator. However, I can think of only a small and very specific set of circumstances which could logically support such a machination. Then too, it is easy to see the possibility of the unintentional creation of a wheel that is sufficiently out of balance so as to preclude it's continued motion unless started with calculated deliberation. I daresay that some men may have flirted dangerously close to practical solutions and given up the chase.
: This thought crossed my mind today:
: What if the uni-directional wheel wasn't originally 'self-starting'?
: Okay, follow along.
: The wheel had a peg on the rim, by which a rope could be looped over it, to keep the wheel from turning.
: This implies that the wheel would always be at the same stopped position when held by the rope.
: Now, if the wheel wasn't originally out-of-balance, but maintained a state of equilibrium (needing a push to start it), how would you do this?
: Easy! You'd put a weight inside the wheel to cause an imbalance. If the 'at-rest' position of this weight was up near the top of the wheel, and the rope was released, this weight would cause the wheel to turn toward the 'heavier' side.
: Once the wheel started turning (a 'push' in other words), the mechanisms would take over, and the weight would just be along for the ride. (It wouldn't even have to be a very big weight either.) When the wheel is stopped and tied up again, that weight would be right back up toward the top, ready to give a 'push' when the wheel is free to turn again.
: Just a thought....