Uploaded October 2013 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
A dual-mode LEGO mechanism transitions between mechanical escapement and electrostatic induction motor operation, showcasing reversible dynamics and high-voltage actuation.
The system begins in escapement mode, where a weighted wheel pendulum—suspended by a ball chain inside a brass tube—rotates about its vertical axis. The pendulum includes six aluminum spheres and a gray LEGO Technic towball bob. The bob engages a LEGO escape wheel and reverses the pendulum’s direction by striking a fixed mechanical stop.
Upon removal of the towball bob, the system transitions into motor mode. Electrostatic rotation is achieved via six brass-ball electrodes mounted on a stationary Technic wheel above the pendulum. These electrodes are powered by a 17 kV DC high-voltage supply, with alternating polarity applied to adjacent poles. The resulting electrostatic field induces rotation exceeding 200 RPM.
The mechanism then reverts to escapement mode, illustrating a reversible transformation between mechanical and electrostatic dynamics using LEGO components.
Explore a playlist of LEGO clock escapements driven by electrostatic attraction and repulsion:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCbYhDNjOviFDr28b6FfLKd3jKW7fMr8j
#legoescapement #ElectrostaticMotor #SimpleHarmonicMotion #LegoClockEscapement #chargedparticles #pendulums #legoclockmechanism
A dual-mode LEGO mechanism transitions between mechanical escapement and electrostatic induction motor operation, showcasing reversible dynamics and high-voltage actuation.
The system begins in escapement mode, where a weighted wheel pendulum—suspended by a ball chain inside a brass tube—rotates about its vertical axis. The pendulum includes six aluminum spheres and a gray LEGO Technic towball bob. The bob engages a LEGO escape wheel and reverses the pendulum’s direction by striking a fixed mechanical stop.
Upon removal of the towball bob, the system transitions into motor mode. Electrostatic rotation is achieved via six brass-ball electrodes mounted on a stationary Technic wheel above the pendulum. These electrodes are powered by a 17 kV DC high-voltage supply, with alternating polarity applied to adjacent poles. The resulting electrostatic field induces rotation exceeding 200 RPM.
The mechanism then reverts to escapement mode, illustrating a reversible transformation between mechanical and electrostatic dynamics using LEGO components.
Explore a playlist of LEGO clock escapements driven by electrostatic attraction and repulsion:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCbYhDNjOviFDr28b6FfLKd3jKW7fMr8j
#legoescapement #ElectrostaticMotor #SimpleHarmonicMotion #LegoClockEscapement #chargedparticles #pendulums #legoclockmechanism
