Easy Gravity wheel

[Bizzy]

As I see it the key would be to keep it out of equilibrium. That is why you would have an L and not just the weighted bottom. So in looking at this, I now wonder if it would work better if the horizontal part of the L was two or three or more time longer than the veritcal wieghted part. This would keep it out of equilibrium on the right/extended side. and give teh machine some direction.
While on the left /retracked side the horizontal arm would not be extended.
Just a thought.
Bizzy

[Pirate88179]

Bizzy:

I still think there is something wrong with this but, I can't put my finger on it.  I think you might have hit on it by saying that if the horizontal part of the "L" was heavy enough to create an over balance, then it would dip down and not stick out at all.  But, all it takes is a few grams heavier sticking out on the downside and a few grams less on the up side and those L's would appear to do that so.....to quote Einstein..."I don't know".  The only way to know is to try.

Bill

[Bizzy]

Ok you two are both in trouble with my wife becuase I can't stop thinking about this and taht means more experiments ....
I am also thinking that instead of an even number of Ls there should be an odd number of Ls to keep it out of equilibrium.
Bizzy

[Pirate88179]

My apologies to your wife.

I still think this will find equilibrium but without trying it, I can't explain how.  I have a great bike wheel mounted on a pedestal for such experiments that I have saved.  Decent low friction (mostly) bearings and good balance.  With a dime taped on it it will move from 12:00 around to a little past 11:00 (CW) with just letting it go.  Of course, everything I have tried makes it go only to 10....then 7 and then 5, ha ha.  It was better before I started.  I discovered a lot of different rotation dampers while doing so, ha ha.

Bill

[Bizzy]

Hi Bill
You are right the equilibrium is still staying in teh back of my head. The only way to find out is to actually try it. I already told my wife I need to get some more part for another testing table. She said I can after we finish bottle more wine this weekend...
I am attaching a crude diagram of an idea I had many years ago but work and my ex wife prevented me from exploring it. But now that my head is spinning again(no pun inteaded) I will have to try it. I am attaching acopy in case yo also wise to try it. This is my first attcahment on this site, so I apologize if it is not clear.
Bizzy