Video Presentation
 
How it works

This Great Contraption Module is based on the Cardan Gear invented by Girolamo Cardano, from a simplified LEGO version of Torbjörn Söderstedt. It works as follow : A M motor operates two different mechanisms with crank / connector rod on sliding mechanisms : the Cardan Lift and the Input Tray.

The Cardan Lift mechanism is composed of two arms, a first which is operated by the sliding mechanism, and a second which is attached to the chassis with a gear multiplication (40/20) using a differential to pass though the center. When the main arm rotates by 180°, the second arm makes 360° in the opposite direction. It enables the balls to be kept inside the fork and unload them in the output tray. A rubber band helps to prevent backlash in the functioning when the arm goes down.

The second operated element is the Input Tray, which has an angled floor and a moving step at the end which can take only 6 balls. They are lifted when the Cardan Lift comes, and then, the step goes down and 6 other balls are loaded. 

The model was designed in 2016, recenlty Daniel Garcia Argüelles (Daniel58) helps to make the PDF instructions which is released for free.

How to build ?

The PDF instructions can be downloaded for free on this shop. The instruction contains the partlist at the end. Some guidance :

Please pay attention to the synchronicity between the two moving mechanism (Cardan Lift and Input Tray) in order everything works smoothly.
Page 14 / Step 14, add a rubber band between the two towballs (preferably a 85543) but any ponytail 15-20mm work.
Page 68 / Step 75, add a rubber band between the towball and the axle above (grey bush) (preferably a 85543) but any ponytail 15-20mm work.

About this product

Instructions preview