Parabola - How It Works

Due to having to film Parabola from a distance to capture the flight of the balls, I decided to add this video of close ups to show how the mechanisms work. The striker arm is powered by a tension spring, as is the trigger for the feeder arm. The balls bounce off a curved rebound board which returns them to the centre of the catcher on most occasions.

Want to stay up to date with my latest creations? Subscribe me here or feel free to add me on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1813942199&sk=info

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• how
• it
• works
• brett
• dickins
• mechanical
• art
• kinetic
• sculpture
• gear
• gears
• cog
• cogs
• motion
• ping
• pong
• ball
• machine
• RBS
• engineering
• mechanism
• youtube
• artwork
• steampunk
• clockwork
• USA
• Spain

[xShadowDarkX]

I must say that is some awesome use of a parabola. I'm actually going to be going into mechanical engineering here for my major. any tips on how to utilize formulas to make contraptions like this?

[MechanicalSculptor]

@xShadowDarkX Glad you like the work :) My background isn't engineering, it is art. So my approach to building these works is first to think of an interesting way for something to move, then figuring out the engineering to make it happen. And it isn't always the most direct or efficient engineering approach either, but the most effective artistic one. Good luck with your major, it's a fascinating field :)

[VertikalDesign]

very nice work. congrats.

[MechanicalSculptor]

@VertikalDesign Many thanks, much appreciated!

[crazysporepivotguy]

this is amazing :"D i dont mean to sound like a noob but how do you make the parts turn? :S

[MechanicalSculptor]

@crazysporepivotguy Hi, the sculpture is driven by an electric motor which plugs into a standard wall socket via a transformer. The motor is hidden at the back of the sculpture and drives the small gear, which then drives the rest of the mechanisms. Cheers, Brett.

[brooklynnlopez]

this in not a true kinetic art sculpture it should move with out an electrical motor

[F4ToContinue]

i would use that awesome machine to shoot things up and shoot the balls with airsoft gun :)

[muh1h1]

what the?! MAN THIS IS AMAZING!

[shain300]

amazing job!!