The only source of energy available is that generated by the falling weight. But how do we get enough energy to return that weight to its starting point?
There are two features available from the action of the falling weight. The first is to use the potential energy generated during the actual fall to guide the weight to the most advantageous landing point on the rim of the wheel. This is achieved through the use of the scissor mechanisms.
The second feature requires us to configure the wheel to make the falling weight land further back along the rim of the wheel, than is usually achievable with a simple pivoting weighted lever. This would cause the wheel to rotate further forward thus creating a larger retrograde motion in the previously fallen wheel. This would reduce the height needed to return the fallen weight back to it pre-fall position.
Bessler stressed how useful scissor mechanisms are, and as he commented they are like crabs in that they work best when they move horizontally, and crabs are designed to move sideways too. Because the scissor mechanisms are able to react to variations in the horizontal attitude, they can expand or shrink contract as their angles varies.
If you look at my previous attempt you will see the scissor mechanism. Where they begin to act is a problem I need to discover the solution, but also how large should they be and do they work with just one scissor or two like my model.
Finally they need to work in pairs which requires cords between two levers- but which ones?
One cord must be fixed to the falling lever, but the other end needs to be fixed to a lever which actually needs a bit of a lift, just 30 degrees is suggested by Bessler.
JC
©️ John Collins 2026
