Square wheel: Difference between revisions
first, it's spam. Second, it's a ripoff of a Kliban cartoon. |
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<ref>[http://faraday.physics.uiowa.edu/mech/1M20.65.htm "Non-Circular Wheels"], Physics and Astronomy Lecture Demonstrations, University of Iowa</ref> |
<ref>[http://faraday.physics.uiowa.edu/mech/1M20.65.htm "Non-Circular Wheels"], Physics and Astronomy Lecture Demonstrations, University of Iowa</ref> |
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A different type of square-wheeled vehicle was invented in 2006 by Jason Winckler of Global Composites, Inc. in the [[United States]]. This has square wheels, linked together and offset by 22.5°, rolling on a flat surface. The prototype appears ungainly, but the inventor proposes that the system may be useful in microscopic-sized machines ([[MEMS]]). |
A different type of square-wheeled vehicle was invented in 2006 by [[Jason Winckler]] of [[Global Composites]], Inc. in the [[United States]]. This has square wheels, linked together and offset by 22.5°, rolling on a flat surface. The prototype appears ungainly, but the inventor proposes that the system may be useful in microscopic-sized machines ([[MEMS]]). |
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<ref>[http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/12/prweb316686.htm "Square Wheel Car Propels Itself by Shifting Weight - Possible MEMS Locomotion"], Global Composites Inc. press release, December 2, 2005 (with link to video of prototype)</ref> |
<ref>[http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/12/prweb316686.htm "Square Wheel Car Propels Itself by Shifting Weight - Possible MEMS Locomotion"], Global Composites Inc. press release, December 2, 2005 (with link to video of prototype)</ref> |
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Revision as of 08:22, 10 January 2008
A literal square wheel is a wheel that, instead of being circular, has the shape of a square. A more common use is as slang, meaning stereotypically bad or naïve engineering (see reinventing the square wheel).
A square wheel can roll smoothly if the ground consists of evenly shaped inverted catenaries of the right size and curvature. [1] [2] [3]
A different type of square-wheeled vehicle was invented in 2006 by Jason Winckler of Global Composites, Inc. in the United States. This has square wheels, linked together and offset by 22.5°, rolling on a flat surface. The prototype appears ungainly, but the inventor proposes that the system may be useful in microscopic-sized machines (MEMS). [4]
See also
References
- ^ "Riding on Square Wheels", Ivars Peterson, Science News, Week of April 3, 2004; Vol. 165, No. 14.
- ^ "A Catenary Road and Square Wheels", New Trier High School, Winnetka, Illinois
- ^ "Non-Circular Wheels", Physics and Astronomy Lecture Demonstrations, University of Iowa
- ^ "Square Wheel Car Propels Itself by Shifting Weight - Possible MEMS Locomotion", Global Composites Inc. press release, December 2, 2005 (with link to video of prototype)
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