Mechanical Atom-Smacker

Brad's first attempt to subvert the limits of the known universe. Over a period of use, the device has been utilized for the continuous abuse of countless atomic structures. However, to date, no discernible affect on our own temporal-spacial domain has been observed. Unit is approx. 8" x 4" x 4"high, made of acrylic, brass and steel.
copyright ©2007 Bradley N. Litwin
This video content is protected under US copyright law. If you want to use it, ask me first, please!

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• kinetic
• sculpture
• rolling
• ball
• gears
• linkage
• hand-crank
• mechanical
• whimsey
• machine
• goldberg
• bearing

[TAPriceCTR]

the only thing I like about this is that gear that allows the piston to move straight in and out... is there ANY deviation from straight on that arms movement?

[BLitwin]

That's very observant! There is almost certainly some deviation from a straight line motion, since it is a physical embodiment, and thereby inherently imperfect, as opposed to the theoretic ideal. The mechanism is an example of "Hypocycloidal" motion. -B

[TAPriceCTR]

@BLitwin well I am asking about theoretical and practical.... not the deviation deemed "within tollerance". it is clearly superior to crank shaft motion, I am wondering how close to perfect it really is. the weight increase is an issue but even if it could not operate in hte real world (which you proved it does) it is still an awesome concept. thanks for the word, I'll have to look that up.

[BLitwin]

Hmmm. Superior? I guess it depends on your judgement criteria. On the one hand, you don't need a gudgeon pin, in the piston. But, you do need two gears - that's more costly to manufacture. And, to gang more than one piston, you need still more gears to connect the output shafts (no place for a shared crankshaft). Then, there's the question of efficiency, about which I'm dubious. Still, it is cool looking! :) -B

[BLitwin]

Hmmm. Superior? I guess it depends on your judgement criteria. On the one hand, you don't need a gudgeon pin, in the piston. But, you do need two gears - that's more costly to manufacture. And, to gang more than one piston, you need still more gears to connect the output shafts (no place for a shared crankshaft). Then, there's the question of efficiency, about which I'm dubious. Still, it is cool looking! :) -B

[BLitwin]

And yet, you watched the whole thing. Hmmmm

[BLitwin]

What? You can't see 'em?  They're getting smacked an' whacked all over de place!

[achmachat]

smart art. beautiful.

[321crazyivan]

love it!

[BLitwin]

That's such a relief to know! Now, I can stop worrying : )

[ArcadeGames]

@BLitwin Yes, this is your future self, you go broke in the year 2012, then the world ends ...but just before it happens, I traveled to the present to leave a comment...

[BLitwin]

You did??? So, you are me, come back to visit??? Please, tell me I'm rich and famous, in the future!!  : )