Over the Top

Synopsis: an engineering marvel that is beautiful and fun.

Note: unlike others, this device is unique in that the RIDERS power it from where they sit.

It almost seems impossible. But seeing is believing and riding this is a real kick! Take some very basic mechanical engineering principles like leverage, moments, tensile strength, throw then in a cauldron with an eye for beauty and a playful heart and you get Over the Top -- a human powered ferris wheel.

See more of this and other equally wonderful creations at

http://www.stevenwhitewoodworking.com
and
http://www.stevenwhitewoodworking.com/over-the-top.htm

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• human-powered
• ferris
• wheel
• engineering
• arts
• green
• education
• alternative
• fuel
• economy
• maverick
• fitness

[brett20130676]

could this be used to create energy?

[pupfishdesign]

@brett20130676 The short answer: it converts energy . The riders input energy with their muscles. The bearings the beam ride on drain away a little energy. The wind the riders and beam travel through drains some energy. If you wanted to harness the input energy, that device would not be 100% efficient. So Energy (rider's muscles) - Energy (bearings) - Energy (air resistance) - Energy (hypothetical conversion device) == Energy (net). The bicycle is best at converting human muscle energy.

[ChalkyGBG]

How do get up on it?

[pupfishdesign]

Beam is held horizontal with a ladder that acts as support. Riders climb on, weights are loaded at light end to equalize weight, then riders start driving the ride.

[ScienceChicago]

Nice! Pretty cool man. Did you end up selling it? These should be mass-marketed or something. -- Roland

[pupfishdesign]

Thanks for the feedback -- it is still available! :-)

Bring on the investors for the mass market!

[MrNaturerune]

looks relaxing, and the only real danger is falling a couple feet lol.

[001GenLee]

How exactly does this work? ....works on balance or just what? I've seen the pedal powered Ferris Wheels that some have made. I'd love to make a 2 person upside down ride from one of those electric reel wheels like the electric companies use. If i could find one cheap enough, i'd turn the dream into a reality!

[koalabacon]

troll physics.

[millar445]

it would be awsome to make it it so it dont mve the siteis then it will go upside down

[blublahblah]

umad gravity?

[shahruledree]

cool!!! :D

[wimc1207]

When I was young, my neighborhood had a the swings that you pull the levers on to get going, and a merry go round that had pumps on it to make it go around, so whatever is old is new again, only more awesome!!