Introduction to the SFT

[Prajna]

Fantastic video and nice build, @Ufopolitics. That will be very interesting for me to explore once I'm done developing the SFT. I'm thinking we may be able to put the switching magnet (or magnets) on a synchronised rotor rather than move it directly away from the gap. That way we have simple, efficient rotary motion rather than reciprocating motion (I know I have reciprocating motion in my design too but that is just for this 'educational' configuration, I will move to a rotary configuration once I have finished and demonstrated this proof-of-concept).

[Ufopolitics]

Fantastic video and nice build, @Ufopolitics.

Thanks Prajna, I am glad you liked it!!
 

That will be very interesting for me to explore once I'm done developing the SFT. I'm thinking we may be able to put the switching magnet (or magnets) on a synchronised rotor rather than move it directly away from the gap.

Exactly!!...I am so glad, as I knew it was very easy for you to "see" and then "fuse" both applications into one...

That way we have simple, efficient rotary motion rather than reciprocating motion (I know I have reciprocating motion in my design too but that is just for this 'educational' configuration, I will move to a rotary configuration once I have finished and demonstrated this proof-of-concept).

Yes, "simple" after two open and capable minds "see" the possibilities...of two completely isolated devices, blend them together to bring a better and cleaner result.

I see exactly what you are seeing now, and described above...and, yes, it could be done!!

Take your time in your development, as it will be many tests required, to achieve a better performance as a better understanding of your excellent approach.

Regards

Ufopolitics

[Prajna]

Well, I think all discovery is made by seeing what disparate things have in common.
 
I look forward to exploring this further with you.
Thank you.

[Prajna]

A little update: I have finished printing the parts and now just have the rotor and a small bush to make. I was going to get my original rotor water jet cut but I have redesigned it so that it will be easy for me to make with the tools I have.

[Prajna]

Well, the SFT-Mk5 is all assembled but sadly it is not rigid enough. I'm hoping that if I beef up the supports for the bellcranks that might make it stiff enough to work. The problem at the moment is that the magnets stick to the rotor and the mechanism is supposed to limit their travel so that can't happen but there is too much movement in the bellcrank mounts and that lets the magnets get too close to the rotor. Oh well, iterative process.