Payload propulsion using force generated by gravity...

[Indifference]

I have a conceptual problem that some here may be able to enlighten me about.

Concept:
Say you had a mass M that was allowed to drop a distance Y under the force of gravity. You connect via a simple pulley to M as it falls, so as to harness this energy using a cord of some description. This cord is attached to a vehiclular assembly that travels along a path in the X and Y direction. The mass of the vehicular assembly is also M.

Problem:
Is it possible (in reality) to contruct some 'system', which forms part of the vehicular assembly, to propel the vehicle to a height approaching Y, regardless of distance X?

I have some ideas, but wish to hear others thoughts on the topic.

I am considering a form of 'gravity motor' using a spring to store the transfer of energy from the falling M to contribute to perpetuating the rotation of the gravity motor, which in turn will drive the vehicular assembly.

Any thoughts??

[Jonathan]

Sorry to say, but I imagine two identical weights, a pulley, and an incline, and the only way I see of getting the height of the vehicle to approach the height of the mass is for X to approach zero. As X approaches zero, the incline ceases to exist and the pulley becomes perfectly balanced. Then it only takes a tiny amount of energy to turn the pulley to lift the vehicle. The problem is that the dead weight M had to start out high up, and it takes as much energy to get it up there in the first place as it would have to just lift the vehicle and forget the rest.
This really is a case that would require energy to come from gravity, and though I think it's possible I must admit that I don't know how.

[Indifference]

Thanks for your response Jonathan.

The idea is not for X to approach zero though - cause if it did, there would be no problem really. I am also assuming that the dead weight M is already at height Y, so no work from the system or prior to initiating the system is involved.

I was hoping that someone could offer, overbalancing concepts, overunity drive mechanisms, or something else that would assist in maintaining momentum up the slope until equilibrium was formed.

This is a real world problem that I offer for insightful input. There are numerous real world examples where such a device could be used.

Does anyone dare to offer a conceptual approach to this problem??

I have some lateral concepts brewing, but it would great to get a broad range of opinions. Also, once this thread approaches conclusion, I will give my design in as much detail as possible... right here on this forum.

Surely one of the over 100 people to read this thread already, has a worthy idea to contribute....

[Jonathan]

I can't wait to hear your ideas.
Right now I've almost run out of leads and am going to see if I can find the time and materials to build Georg's Newton-defying double incline.
It is shown here, the last post, number 1734:
http://www.besslerwheel.com/forum/viewt ... 1&start=25
Here is the drawing of it:
http://www.besslerwheel.com/forum/download.php?id=193

[Lightwave]

Hi ive been lurking here for a while but this is simular to something i found
the other day, its a Double Pulley Pendulum
link if I get it working corectly:
http://www.pt3.gse.rutgers.edu/physics/ ... dulum.html
this arangement will lift a weight higher than the starting point and the only
force is the pendulum swing and im sure it will work in the reverse direction
using the weight as a pendulum to lift it back to the starting point.

[Joel Wright]

Hi Indifference .......If its a equilibrium design your looking for check out Joel Wrights Idea in the community Buzz section.This simple design balances the left and right side of a wheel and the pendulous weight traveling the upside of the wheel, stores energy against the spring to release it BTDC at the top of the wheel.The action is subtle so you may have to study it for a while before the concept is clear.Double click on the picture to enlarge.Keep in mind that a fly wheel must be install on the outside of the pendulous weights and the outer tip of the weight will hit stops on the inside of the flywheel that limit the weights swing to some where around 11.5 degrees. Joel Wright

[Jonathan]

Hey lightwave, that is really neat! That seems like a very promising lead to follow, because the pendulum weight doesn't appear to slow down as it goes, despite friction. Though it does seem to lift less and less as the radius of swing increases.