Some of the most bizarre machines ever designed and built in human history, from the world's oldest computer by the Greeks to Leonardo da Vinci's ornithopter.
1. Antikythera Mechanism
The Antikythera mechanism is believed to be the world's oldest computer. Photo: Wikimedia
One of the most puzzling ancient machines is the “Antikythera mechanism,” discovered in 1901 in the wreck of a Roman cargo ship by sponge divers near the island of Antikythera, according to Interesting Engineering . The device dates back to between 87 and 205 BC, and the exact purpose of its creator remains a source of confusion for scientists.
Some possible explanations for the mechanism include an astronomical calculator or a mechanical model of the solar system, used to track the cycles of celestial bodies such as the Moon and Earth as well as other planets. The Antikythera mechanism has also been described as the world's oldest analog computer, used for astronomical predictions such as the timing of future eclipses.
When found, the device was inside a wooden box. Conservation work identified 82 separate pieces of the mechanism, the largest of which was 13 cm in diameter and originally had 223 gears. The front of the mechanism had a fixed disc representing the Earth's flat disk around the Sun and the 12 signs of the zodiac, arranged at 30-degree intervals. The outer surface of the disc had another rotating circle, which represented the day and month of the Egyptian calendar. When rotated, the circle with the Egyptian calendar could be aligned with the zodiac. The mechanism was operated by a small crank connected to the largest mechanism via a gear ring. This could move the date hand on the front disc. Whatever its purpose, Antikythera was the most complex mechanism of its time.
2. Tesla's Earthquake Machine
The genius inventor Nikola Tesla created many designs and machines. He first created an oscillator to generate electricity. Later, a version of the machine could generate earthquakes. The original oscillator that Tesla invented used steam. The steam fed into the oscillator escaped through ports while pushing a piston up and down. The piston connected to the rotating part of an electric motor, causing it to vibrate at high speeds and generate electricity.
Tesla created several versions of the device, seeking to replace the inefficient steam engines used in generators. However, at a party in 1935, the inventor revealed that one version of the oscillator could produce violent vibrations, even causing an earthquake in downtown New York City. According to news reports at the time, the machine caused an earthquake near Tesla’s Manhattan lab, prompting the arrival of police and emergency responders.
Tesla shared that when he experimented with vibrations, the machine combined with the vibrations of the building and caused a "strange cracking sound." In the chaos, Tesla grabbed a hammer and hit the machine. According to him, the device could have brought down the Empire State Building if attached to a beam.
3. Dynasphere
The Dynasphere One-Wheel Vehicle. Photo: iStock
The Dynasphere was invented by British electrical engineer John Archibald Purves. Patented in 1930. The vehicle was inspired by a sketch by Leonardo da Vinci. The wheel had a cabin inside its circumference, enough room for the driver and a passenger. The June 1932 issue of "Modern Mechanics" detailed its internal mechanism. Both sides of the wheel had grooves that could run in any direction. A motor connected to a gearbox kept the wheel moving. The vehicle did not tip over because its center of gravity was low enough to prevent this from happening.
The Dynasphere can reach speeds of 30 mph. Interestingly, riding on the Dynasphere certainly offers unique views. After building two prototypes of the vehicle, Purves developed a bus version that could hold more people, but it was not feasible due to steering and braking difficulties.
5. Ornihopter
An ornithopter is an unusual machine that allows humans to fly like birds or insects. The vehicle stays airborne by flapping its wings. Some ornithopters are manned and powered by engines, but small-scale versions are designed for one person only. The history of ornithopter design dates back at least 1,000 years, with the 9th-century Andalusian poet, engineer, astronomer, and inventor Abbas Ibn Ferns experimenting with powered flight. Leonardo da Vinci also designed an ornithopter based on his study of bird flight, sketching a machine with a prone passenger controlling the large wings with hand levers, foot pedals, and pulleys.
An Khang (According to Interesting Engineering )
Source link
Comment (0)