Method for demonstrating the inverse square law and apparatus therefor
US6582234B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 24, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 31, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG09B23/08
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention is an educational demonstration designed to help students better understand the concepts of torque and the inverse square law. A variable torque pulley consists of a rigid overlapping spiral shape member and a rigid circular member. The circular member is attached to the spiral shaped member as one integral piece, each incorporating a groove around the perimeter to act as a guide for a length of string. The circular member acts as a pulley and the spiral shape member acts as a lever. The variable torque pulley rotates in a circular fashion pivoting on an axle about its center. String is used with the circular member to rotate the apparatus. String is used with the spiral shape member for the hanging of a weight. The axle acts as the fulcrum for the spiral shape member. The shape of the spiral is important because as the variable torque lever rotates, the weight moves toward the fulcrum and the torque drops off in harmony with the inverse square law.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.