Marble Machines

Over 1.5 Million Views on YouTube

With the purpose of driving views and retaining attention, these machines were engineered to induce curiosity and awe. Unique mechanisms are used in each to attain this criteria and to provide diversified learning opportunities.

Mechanisms

Scotch Yoke

Converts rotational motion from the stepper motor into linear motion.

Ball Bearing Force Transfer

Converts linear motion to an axis offset by 75 degrees.

Bevel + Worm Gears

The bevel gear converts the rotational motion from the stepper motor to a perpendicular axis, while the worm gear trades-off speed for torque.

Marble Dispenser

As the arm contacts the lip on the dispenser, the dispenser twists and transfers one marble into the arm. The next marble is obstructed from entering the dispenser until it returns to its upright position.

Crank & Shaft + Rack & Pinion

The crank and shaft converts rotational motion from the stepper motor into reciprocal motion, while the rack and pinion converts the reciprocal motion into oscillatory motion.

I designed, built, and tested machines 4, 5, 6, 8, 9.

9 Satisfying Marble Machines

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