How can I create a weighted pulley system that is heavier on the way down?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design of a weighted pulley system that allows a weight to be 5kg on the way up and 8kg on the way down. Participants explore the feasibility of such a system and whether a pulley is the best or most cost-effective solution for achieving this weight variation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on how to create a pulley system that changes the effective weight from 5kg to 8kg during its motion.
  • Another participant suggests that to change the weight, a physical alteration must occur, indicating potential misunderstanding of the original question.
  • A participant reiterates the desire for a system that allows for a weight of 5kg when ascending and 8kg when descending, proposing a mechanism that involves attachment and detachment at the top of the pulley.
  • One participant expresses confidence that the described system would function as intended without identifying any issues.
  • A later reply introduces the concept of an overshot water wheel as a potential analogy or solution to the problem posed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the feasibility or design specifics of the proposed pulley system, with some expressing understanding and others seeking further clarification.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks detailed specifications on the mechanics of attachment and detachment, as well as the physical principles that would allow for the change in weight during the pulley’s operation.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in mechanical design, physics of pulleys, or those working on projects involving weight manipulation in mechanical systems may find this discussion relevant.

callumbrad128
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This is going to seem a somewhat basic question to most people. However, I am trying to build a project where a weight on a pulley weighs 5kg on the way up but 8kg on the way down, then 5kg on the way up and 8kg on the way down, and so on... So its heavier on the way down. I was just wondering how a 'pulley system' would would to ensure this. Or if a pulley system would be the best/cheapest way. I really can't get my head round it. any help would be much appreciated.
 
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A weight us a physical object and is what it is. To change it you have to change it. Or perhaps I'm not understanding what you want to do.
 
ok basically i want a pully system which has a 5kg attatched to it on the way up. Then it reaches 'the top' and on the way down it weighs 8kg. So it somehow attaches to something at the top and once at the bottom, it detatches and weighs 5kg again and once at the top it attaches to something and weights more on the way down.. I was just thinking a pulley system would be cheapest but can't work out in my head how it would work. any suggestion would be much apppricated.
 
Well it would work fine as described. Still not seeing a problem.
 
Well, an overshot water wheel does about what you want.
 

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