Posted by grim (206.162.192.40) on August 28, 2002 at 06:30:06:
In Reply to: Re: wheel update posted by Smithy on August 27, 2002 at 17:46:55:
Brett according to what you gave as figures you've got almost four times the physical weight displacement off-center as Costa did. If the parts you've already made didn't bust your budget, I'd encourage you to make two more of the mechs so your wheel has at least four throw points and give it a shot. The only way that this deal is going to be solved is to theorize, draw it out, build it and try it. I still haven't quite gotten what Costa's mech was meant to do. Does it cock and lock weights in a, say upward, position off the wheel bottom and then release them later?
I'd certainly give it a go if I were you. If you have time please explain the mech operation. Looking at Costa's drawing and having it explained to me and anyone else who is pondering it by someone who has it in their hands physically is a whole 'nother deal. Believe me I am not going to steal yours or anyone else's ideas off this site, I certainly don't have time for any of the lawsuits or litigations that would occur. You've got Costa's mech in your hands and I'm basically trying to understand what the hell he was trying to do.
I believe the amount of offset may be the key. Mine went down in flames because of the counterweight/thrown weight ratio ended up way out of kilter, and it found an equilibrium point.
By the way, where do you get those low-friction bearings that you spoke of? Looking forward to your reply.
As always,
grim