How to build magnet-less compass out of Lego

The sole aim of this Lego project is to build a magnet-compass. This is a quite unbelievable fact that the Chinese have mastered this art of designing compass 4500 years ago. The project encompasses integration of gears and wheels that always points in the same direction. New Scientist, Sean O'Neill has crafted such piece made just out of standard Lego pieces. Now you can make it too.

magnetless lego compass

Difficulty Level:

The difficulty level is challenging.

Time required:

Time required is few hours.

Estimated cost:

You can acquire the resources for making this projects just at £11.00.

resources required to make a lego magnet less comp

Instructions:

Make your own steampunk Lego arcana by following this step-by-step procedure.

Step 1

First thing to do is making three identical brackets with the 11-hole liftarms, pin connectors and pins with friction ridges. This should be assured that the pin connectors are attached via the last two holes on each end of the beams.

Step 2

Include a three-hole liftarm into the center with two pins for friction ridges to one of the brackets.

Step 3

Next, add the two differentials with four 12-tooth gears and the axle 6 to that bracket. While adding, you will first need to push the small gear onto the inner pin of the differential. After that slide the axle into the differential through another small gear – which you are holding with your fingers. Ensure that the larger side of the differential is at the center, up next to the bracket.

Step 4

For stability add two more 11-hole liftarms to what you've already built. With extreme caution, combine the pieces in the right order that have a stop bush at one end. Slide the pin through the holes in new liftarms before you connect them to the brackets which have been built. The very next thing to do is adding the other two brackets to either side.

Step 5

Place the wheel axles (length "7") into the differentials along with the last two 12-tooth gears. Hold the small gear in place for a while before you start to slide the axles in.

Step 6

Attach two axle pins to the ends of a 13-hole liftarm (beam A). On the opposite side of the beam, add the other 13-hole liftarm using pin connectors (beam B). Be sure, that all the pins have been positioned in the correct holes, otherwise the handle won't support what you've already built.

Step 7

Integrate the 40-tooth gear to the third hole of beam A, using an axle (length 4). At the gear side, add your red liftarm – which will be the pointer of your compass. On the opposite end, place a bush which resembles the nut. After this, attach the two 24-teeth gears, using the other axle (length 4). Add the standard gear on top of the beam next to the 40-tooth gear. Beneath the beam, slide another bush onto the axle first, followed by the 24-tooth crown gear.

Step 8

Step 8 starts with popping the handle onto the chariot with the axle pins on the handle into the "stop bushes" on the main body of the chariot. Make sure that the 24-tooth gear on the handle is connected properly with the two differentials.

Step 9

Finally, Pop the wheels onto the axles either side of the chariot. Here it is, magnet-less compass, made completely out of Lego! As long as the wheels gain enough traction and don't leave the floor, the red pointer on top of the chariot will never change direction.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Where do I get the lego?

Answer: You can visit Bricklink.com and buy Lego's at reasonable prices.

2. From where did this concept originate?

Answer: Chinese Design Engineers were the first to deign such Compass, 4500 years ago

Quick tips:

1. Follow the steps in the same order as given above.

2. Consult the video before starting.

Things to watch out for:

1. For better results, use the Lego of same dimension as prescribed.

2. Check the quality of Legos before using them.

Via: Bricklink/ Newscientist