Скачать или смотреть A BETTER static Divide by 4 for the MMX

Yeah, I know...

It is less exciting than the rolling marble counter weight, but from a mechanical standpoint: static is better.

This is my proposal for an improved divide-by-4 system that reliably only tops over at four marbles and only tips back when completely empty. The placement of the weight is critical: not only is the horizontal arm important for topping over, but the vertical placement determines the reduction in moment arm when in unloading position, needing just one marble to stay down.

This is where Martins current divider comes short: The counterweight is a compromise, it may tip over at 3 marbles and tip back before fully unloaded. Another problem martin faced whas that the que wasn't held back in the unloading position. With better path constrainment this is solved as well.

Advantages as I see it:
Marble
Aesthetically more pleasing
More stable tipping action
Faster

Static
"Easy" adjustment
Less physics involved during design
Keep It Stupid Simple

Prototyped on a Dutchy 3D printer
www.dutchy3d.nl