The Revolving Bridge Designed by Leonardo da Vinci

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE:
In his design of the revolting bridge, Leonardo relies on an antique pretext but solves the problem of defending the structure against the peril of enemies in a fancy way: with hostile troops advancing, the bridge could swing around a pylon, separating it from the shore. The enemy could then no longer cross the river. Simple, but completely efficient.

MATERIALS & PROCEDURES:

Materials Used

MINDSTORMS NXT Base sets and resource sets
NXT-G Program
Laptop
Digital Camera

PROCEDURE

Hardware Challenges

In this Leonardo da Vincis revolting bridge project, we were acquainted with another type of NXT sensor: the ultrasonic sensor. We know what to use if for, how to use it, and how to access it programmatically in NXT-G programming language. Furthermore, we know about how to use a turntable which provides both the required stability and flexibility needed for the fulcrum which is the only point from which the whole structure is suspended. We also learn about how to synchronizing motors and have seen how to use strings to transfer motor control to remote hardware components.

Software Challenges

the general flow of the program for the bridge is not very complex (Figure 2-1):
1.Wait for enemies to approach the structure
2.Once the ultrasonic sensor has detected enemies, moves the bridge to the side by running the two motors,
3.Wait until the sensor does not detect anything anymore.
4.Reset the bridge to its original state
RESULTS
Our design shows that it is possible to build Leonardos revolting bridge.

CONCLUSION / DISCUSSION:

Our objective was to build Leonardo da Vincis revolting bridge. Leonardo drew the revolting bridge in Milan in the 1580s, and the drawing is today contained in the Codex Atlanticus. In his letter to Duke Ludovico, he talks of plans for very light yet stable bridge. After more than 400 year, his dream finally came true.

by: Yusuf Juan, Jeffer, Jessica Novita, Vida, Vincent
Supervisor: Haoken

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• DSCN0663