Complex Lifting Mechanisms

Complex lifting mechanisms are made up of unique and mechanically creative devices designed to move the balls in imaginative ways. The goals are to be visually appealing and mechanically captivating, while producing reliability that rivals the simple lifting mechanisms.

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The Basket Lift

A basket picks up more than one ball at a time, dumping them onto the next section of track. This is part of the Bush's Bean Adventure interactive sculpture.

The basket lift moves more than one ball at a time in a single movement.

A gating system allows only the desired number of balls to enter the basket.

The basket lift is well-suited for interactions, allowing the user to control the feed rate.

This basket holds five balls at a time and is hidden behind an image connected to the basket.

The Disk Lift

Notched disks alternately pick up and release balls on a curved path to the top. This is part of the Mechanical Demonstrator and Trajectory Demonstrator.

The ball is constrained between a notch in the rotating disk and two rails.

The disk lift requires design in CAD software to ensure accurate fabrication and successful operation.

Chains or gears must be used to keep the notches in the disks properly aligned.

The notched disks pass the ball from one to another in an S pattern. Clear acrylic disks create a gravity defying illusion.

The Friction Disk Lift

Friction rolls balls up a curved track at the perimeter of the disks. Is used in the Waterball Wonder and the BMW Kugelbahn.

The ball is held at two points on the curvd rails and along the edge of the disk.

Side-by-side spinning friction disks freeze two balls in position as they move up during a race.

Using clear disks can give the illusions of the balls defying gravity as they roll upwards.

A big benefit to the friction disk is that the balls enter the lift as soon as they arrive. No need to wait for hooks or notches.

The Logo Lift

This lift transforms a company or brand logo into a mechanical assembly, lifting and translating balls into position. See it in the Mechanical Demonstrator.

A logo or word is the basis for the mechanical design of the logo lift.

Lines are transformed into linkages and kinematic design is applied, all using CAD software.

The resulting logo lift looks and performs exactly as expected.

Complex linkages often require supporting gears to keep the links oriented correctly.

The Link Lift

Levers and linkages alternately lift and release balls vertically, from one link to the other. See this lift in the BMW Kugelbahn and a version in Creature Kinetics.

The link lift handles one ball at a time. A gate mechanism is used to keep balls in order.

At just the right moment, the ball is handed off from one link to the other. Timing is everything.

At the top of the lift, the ball is dropped onto the track where it continues its journey.

The worm-gear driven crank-arm provides high torque and smooth, oscillating motion.

Basic Lifting Mechanisms

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