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The above diagrams are to reiterate the path of the circular gear making one revolution + a distance “x”. The second diagram shows one way of connecting the conductors that are on the main circular gear. If the gear did not have to turn an extra distance “x” then the answer would be to place two conductors half way around the circle then connecting them with a linear wire. In fact, if this extra distance wasn’t used it would create the need to move only one revolution, one conductor might just be enough to create a switch.

To explain the need for a more sophisticated system, it would help to know of one of its uses and where the idea first came from. In the Pittsburgh Post Gazette there was an article of a teacher’s aid who wanted to build a tape looper machine to save time when taping the whole classes artwork to the wall. Her idea was entered in a contest for new office products. If her idea was chosen it then would be designed. It seems like a creative idea and even possible to simply design. ( Note: I don’t know if it was ever designed though.)

This tape looper machine seems simple, but there is one major design problem: the machine has to make a loop (one revolution) and add a small amount of turn (distance x) to connect the ends of the loop securely. This seems simple, but when the problem is first approached the simplest way to do this may seem hidden.

To explain what the small conductors on the gear does think of it as a switch. When they connect to a designated part on the tape looper they tell the machine when to stop and cut the tape and when to start looping the tape again.

Why was a straight line distance of the wire connection chosen? The answer is that this is just the chosen approach and there may be variation of this answer or perhaps someone may find another valid solution using there own methods. But this is the method of approach for this solution. The straight line wire connection is just a simple hint, but it will take some thought to find the answer. The important thing to note is that each conductor spot is wired to its corresponding conductor spot that is 180 degrees away (a straight line distance away).

This switch is simple in design but will do the job efficiently. The tape loop’s size can be adjusted on the tape looper machine without adjusting the switch. It is basic circular motion. The part of the machine that loops the circles can be adjusted independently of the switch. (But speed and torque must be accounted for.)

Now that the basics are covered. Try for yourself and see if you can picture how the machine is going to work. Hint: Remember that the main gear is 3D and front and back can be used! (This is an important hint.) Also remember you are aloud to modify the gear in any way mechanically.

 

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