Wind-up motors large enough to move a small auto

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using wind-up motors to move a small automobile. Participants explore the concept of mechanical energy storage through wind-up mechanisms, considering their potential applications and limitations in comparison to existing technologies like electric and hydraulic systems.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • KM inquires about the existence of wind-up motors capable of moving a small vehicle for a distance of about a mile.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the practicality of such devices, questioning the need for high tension in the springs of wind-up motors.
  • Another participant shares an idea about using a wind-up mechanism on a bicycle to assist with braking and provide energy for movement.
  • KM elaborates on the brainstorming aspect, mentioning alternative energy regeneration methods (electric and hydraulic) and their inefficiencies, while suggesting that a wind-up approach could be a viable augmentation.
  • A participant notes that while electrical regeneration is common in hybrid vehicles, hydraulic systems may be the closest to a "wind-up" mechanism, raising questions about their operation and the required spring strength.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express uncertainty about the feasibility of wind-up motors for this application, with multiple competing views on the practicality and design considerations. No consensus is reached regarding the existence or effectiveness of such devices.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the current understanding of wind-up motor capabilities, assumptions about spring tension requirements, and the dependence on specific definitions of "wind-up" mechanisms.

Kenneth Mann
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I hope you will indulge me for a rather strange request, but does anyone out there know of any wind-up motors large enough to move a small auto. It doesn't need great capacity, but i am hoping for at least the capability to move the vehicle a mile or so.

Thanks,
KM
 
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I've certainly never heard of such a thing. Dare I ask why you want such a device? It seems to me that a wind-up motor (I'm thinking 'clockwork' here) would need a spring under an incredibly high tension...
 
Very interesting, I have been thinking of constructing some kind of wind up machanism on my bike, so when activated it will help me brake and at the same time winding up and providing energy to help moving again.
 
Just Brainstorming:

brewnog said:
I've certainly never heard of such a thing. Dare I ask why you want such a device? It seems to me that a wind-up motor (I'm thinking 'clockwork' here) would need a spring under an incredibly high tension...


tumor said:
Very interesting, I have been thinking of constructing some kind of wind up machanism on my bike, so when activated it will help me brake and at the same time winding up and providing energy to help moving again.


To brewnog:
Mainly just brainstorming. - - - Tumor pretty well answers your question. I have a couple of ways to attach such items, if the items themselves are feasible, and available. If not, I probably won't waste too much more time thinking about it. Presently, the two methods of regeneration used (electric and hydraulic) have certain 'inefficiencies'. I just wanted to look at this as an alternative approach (or augmentation). Also, the spring wouldn't have need for an external 'wind-up', so this might make the approach a bit less risky.

P.S. As you've probably surmised; for my application, a mile is probably far more than needed, but that would be a desirable bonus.

KM
 
Devices such as these exist as you say with electrical regeneration (particularly on recent hybrid vehicles) but I reckon the hydraulic ones are the closest you'll get to "wind-up", although I'm not sure I've come across these! Can I assume that they work by means of an accumulator? If so, you'll have some kind of idea of the strength of spring required.
 

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