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The most unique feature of a rolling ball sculpture is that once the balls
get to the top of the sculpture, gravity takes over to keep everything in motion. Getting the balls to the
top of the sculpture is the job of the lifting Mechanism. At this time, my designs can
incorporate four different types of lifting mechanisms: the chain lift, the Screw Lift, the Disk Lift,
and the Logo Lift. The following descriptions explain how they work.
The chain Lift
The Chain Lift is the most common lifting mechanism used in Rolling Ball Sculptures all around the world. The most important
benefit of the chain lift is the ability to regulate the volume and spacing of the balls as they enter the track. The photo to the right
shows a three ball grouping on their way up the lift. By grouping three balls together, there will be a very intense period of
motion and sounds, increasing the variety of the sculpture.
The photos on the left show the chain lift being used in the Bubble Bee
sculpture. The lift is designed to have a lifting rate of 6 balls per minute.
The Screw Lift
The Screw Lift is a very popular lifting device for balls in a RBS. Also known as the Archimedes' Screw, it is a
clever way to force objects up an inclined plane in a small area. In my design, I use stainless steel construction
to create the screw and constrain the ball.
This first photo Shows four glass marbles entering the screw lift at the bottom of the display.
The second photo shows the marbles in the mid-section of the screw lift, on their way to the top.
When the marbles reach the top, gravity takes over as they journey down the tracks.
This lift can be scaled to meet any criteria for height or marble size. It is capable of delivering balls to
multiple tracks at varying rates, depending on the design. The screw lift is an elegant design in its simplicity
and functionality.
Now, when you desire the super WOW factor for
creative engineering, look no further than...
The Disk Lift
The Disk Lift uses slotted disks and curved rails to constrain the balls as they rise to the top. The disk lift is an
original invention of my own design as far as I know. I designed the device fully on AutoCAD to be sure it would work
as I planned. When all the parts were machined, I was pleasantly surprised to find that proper planning does
prevent poor performance. The lift worked beautifully.
The Disk Lift is constructed of clear acrylic, which makes viewing the lift difficult in the picture to the right.
To help show the design and location of the lift, the photo to the left is provided. This photo shows the acrylic
disks covered in a protective brown paper before any track was built around it. With this in mind, it should be easier to find the lift
in the photo to the right.
One of the most attractive features of the Disk Lift is the transparency. Since you can see right through the disks,
the marbles appear to be floating to the top of the display in a gentle curving path.
The mechanics of the Disk Lift are also very impressive. It is always a joy to watch the smooth motion of the chain
and gears as they work together to rotate the disks. The Disk Lift has always been a crowd favorite and will continue to
impress those who view it. As with the screw lift, the Disk Lift is continuously scalable to meet any design requirements.
Now, if you really want to get some attention for your company or organization, have I got something
special for you!!
The Logo Lift
Imagine walking into the main lobby of corporate headquarters and seeing the company logo transforming before your eyes.
Upon further inspection, you realize the logo's transformation is actually performing a task. It's lifting colorful
objects to greater potential. You watch it for a while, smile, and begin your day.
This same scenario is played out every day in the lobby of Randolph Hall, at the Mechanical Engineering Department of
Virginia Tech. This is where the "VT Link" makes its daily transformations to the delight of on-lookers. The "VT Link",
seen in these photos, is a typical Logo Lift.
A Logo Lift is a ball-lifting device designed specifically for the company or organization that requests it. The Logo
Lift can serve as a centerpiece for a larger RBS, or as a stand-alone sculpture. To design
it, I study the geometry of the logo and apply engineering mechanics to the structure. What results is a very impressive
work of kinetic art that captures the imagination and stimulates creativity.
Numerous metaphors could be pulled from the vision of a company's logo lifting objects to a greater potential, metaphors that I'll
let you come up with... I'll do the design work!
A Video of the "VT Link" Logo Lift can be viewed in the Mechanical Demonstrator sculpture section.
Of course, all of these lifting devices require motors to keep them running. Be sure to view the videos of the motors and
geartrains as well.
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