Introduction: Infinity Switch
....FOR GOLF BALLS.
The idea is that using the "modules" you can assemble a switch to deviate balls down any number paths so you can have any number of routes for the balls to follow in your ball machine.
Ive got it working supremely well for GOLF BALLS for that is what i use but i couldnt be bothered to redesign it for knex issue balls so to you i say best of luck with knex balls or cave in to the infinitely more common golf balls.
PS Remember this is designed for GOLF BALLS
To make it work for you it will need to be wider and less tensioned but thats for you to work out ye people who use knex brand balls.
You can see it in action in my latest project, Operation Cynosure on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zacd7-4sg_Q
Step 1: Back Wall
Nothing interesting YET. Just get everything in the right place and make sure that gray bit is twisted like that.
PS Remember this is designed for golf balls
Step 2: Front Wall
Still nothing interesting. Just 7 parts seemingly in any random order.
This is to be oriented in this way. (i.e. this is the front view of the front wall)
PS Remember this is designed for golf balls
Step 3: Switch
Now it gets exciting. 14 parts subtly arranged for tessellation. Slide everything towards the back of the yellow rod.
PS Remember this is designed for golf balls
Step 4: Assembly and Tensioner
Slide the yellow rod into the white connectors and attach the other thingy too. Note that the yellow rod does not protrude through the "back wall". This is intentional.
The last thing to do is to attach the elastic.
There are many options but I found that the most universal solution was 2 braces bands looped together which provided adequate tension and (in my household any way) they are common.
PS Remember this is designed for golf balls
Step 5: The Tail
This is small but in no way insignificant!
Add this to the last module of your infinity switch.
PS Remember this is designed for golf balls
Step 6: Combining
The best thing about this switch is that you can connect any number of modules together into a super switch.
I find that it works best at an angle of about 20degrees +/- 10
The second image shows a 5 way switch with an on-ramp. The photo is tilted to make it look horizontal when its really at 20degrees.
PS Remember this is designed for golf balls
Step 7: Adjustments
Use different bands. You may have the tesnion too great for it to work.
Or the friction between the still and moving parts could be making things stiff. (dont know how to fix that? WD40?)
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20 Comments
11 years ago on Introduction
I made one for knex balls!
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
This is the link: https://www.instructables.com/id/Knex-Ball-Machine-Elemenit-Infinity-Switch/
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
You can do what you want with it so long as you mention your source. A model for knex balls was beyond my enthusiasm but its good to know knowledge has been passed on.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I've mentioned it's your Idea.
11 years ago on Step 6
An explanation of how this works would be very helpful.
Reply 11 years ago on Step 6
From what I understand of it, It is a series of trap doors. the balls fall through when they come to a stop on top of it, and noot when they roll over them. when they fall through door 4 for instance, it triggers a stop on door 3. door 3 triggers a stop on door 2 and resets the stop on door 3. this goes on until door 1 is triggered, resetting the system. If I understand it that is.. I will try building this for my ball machine soon. I like the design, as each path has to be taken before the first can be taken again, which is not like the regular alternators.
Reply 11 years ago on Step 6
Exactly. I couldnt have said it better myself. Did you make it or do just get it?
11 years ago on Introduction
Reminds me of this. the part with the switch starts at 5:27
11 years ago on Introduction
video perhaps?
11 years ago on Introduction
I don't get it, what exactly does this do?
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
It's a path separator.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
so it's seperates the lighter balls from the bigger ones or something like that?
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
No, it just chooses the path that the ball goes on.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Oh, wait, I get it, lol, I didn't see those orange connectors
11 years ago on Introduction
That's really cool, I've also been thinking about a design for a trapdoor path separator, but the design is a bit different from yours. Nice job.
11 years ago on Introduction
what does it acctually do?... i cant really tell
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
It is a path switcher
11 years ago on Introduction
???
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
wat does this switch thing do?
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
dunno