Building a self looping "SMOT"

[elecar]

I think one could just machine it from a solid plate of aluminum about 1.25" thick.
Could first layout in cad to get a good passive crossover where the rail furthest from the magnets would taper closer to the other rail until the ball just falls over it onto the exit track. This could be done smoothly as to cause no change in height of the ball. (almost)

Hi Lumen, you have grasped the importance of the "crossover" (junction) it is as I mentioned way back, critical. You do not need to change the height of the ball only its direction. It must be guided away and down from the magnetic field.
The angle of exit must not be too sharp either. The closer you can run the angle of the exit to the straight the better.

[elecar]

Hi Elecar,

Thank you for sharing your design and video.

I'm interested in your original track. What is the length of the track in the video?

I also attached a picture of a possible circular design(minus support structures to reduce clutter). It's an untested idea so it may or may not work.

It is at an exaggerated scale to show the curve better, the angle and curve would be a lot less perceptible. The idea is the same as yours but curved and where the ball would usually start to fall back down the ramp there is a very slight gradient tilting it towards the down side.

The way to build would be to make two rings of wire for the track, inner and outer. Then slightly bend the inner ring at the top towards the down side where the ball starts to fall  back. 3D printing is also an option once measurements are nailed down.

Hi DTB. I am envious of your drawing skills. The original track is 330mm long and the diameter of the curve is 150mm.

I do not know if the circular design would work, I am not saying it would not, but you are asking the ball to leave at the strongest point of attraction. I think it could be a sticky point. You could however possibly have the exit dissect the circle before the ball reaches the end of your magnetic ramp. Think slightly bigger than semi circle.

[elecar]

Elecar this is very exciting. By using only one side of a smot you left the other side
open for the escape. I have always believed that permanent magnets can do work because
of 1. Finsrud's device and 2. my pendulum that swings higher than its dropped point and
3. now your modified smot......

Thank you very much....
I will stick one together tomorrow I hope.
my pendulum drops from 2 oclock and travels to noon here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FzK2XKQ-74

Norman

Hi Norman, I have watched your video before, and it is interesting. I believe magnets can do work also, I think my video shows that the ball is pulled up the ramp regardless of its release point. Where is that gain coming from ?
I guess we both know the naysayers are going to say "from my hand"

[elecar]

I think there's more to it than that, just like a steel ball will always pull to the edge of a magnet because there is less attraction in the center.
So the main acceleration is pulling into the magnet and there is less attraction in the center of the ramp, but can be controlled by the magnets angle to the track.

The idea is to gain moving into the ramp and exit just after the peak of the gain and where there is less attraction.
May be?

Hi Lumen, Pretty much in a nut shell, you have to position the magnets in such a way that they draw the ball up the ramp but fall short of the end. There has to be the point where gravity takes over from magnetism and you need to use that gravity to your advantage whilst the ball is still high enough to be returned to the start.

[elecar]

elecar:

Wow!  I have read this topic and seen your video.  I think what you have devised is brilliant Sir.  I have no problem taking you at your word, even though we here on OU.com have been burned before as we all know.

I believe everyone should read your first post and respect your position.  You spelled out what you would, and would not reveal.  I accept this.

Once your idea is fully understood, selecting the materials for easier building for the experimenters is where the folks here can contribute.  We all have to work with the tools we have and the materials we can easily get.  What a great job you have done using that metal bracket.  I wish you much success and I appreciate your willing to share with us on here as much as you are able. 

If I were in your position, it would be killing me to not be able to do so.  Very well done Sir.

Bill

HI Pirate, I did consider not posting anything at all yet, but I have a patent pending and I am having exchanges with a toy manufacture who is interested. There are parts of the patent that I do not wish to disclose in full as it would not be right in light of the talks I am having. It really is that simple.

I believe there are many ways of doing it using any number of materials I have a number of my own designs drawn up. I also believe the simple tests that I put together in the video absolutely show that it is for real. Get the ramp right and get the junction right and you will have built a self looping "SMOT" using the principles I have shared.