Lengthy earlier than digital computer systems got here alongside within the mid-Twentieth century, we had mechanical counting and including machines. These diverse in complexity and functionality, however they might all a minimum of depend up by a single integer at a time. Most of these wanted subtle programs of gears and linkages to carry out their features, but it surely seems that humanity was over-engineering counting machines all alongside. All you really want to depend up is a few squishy materials and loads of ingenuity. Do not consider us? Then try the Beam Counter designed by LKwak.
The subtitle for this challenge is “a Rubber Block That Counts!” That may learn like hyperbole, however it’s solely correct. That is, in actual fact, an enormous chunk of rubber that may depend up each time the consumer pushes on it. And it will possibly achieve this with none digital parts or standard mechanical gear work.
So how does it work? The key is in a intelligent collection of slots molded into the rubber block. These slots have a really particular sample, with one skinny column adopted by one thick column, which repeats. When the consumer squeezes the block, these columns deform and fold in a single course or the opposite. All of them begin with the fold in a single course. However every time the consumer squeezes the block, one column forces its neighbor to fold within the different course. After they squeeze the block once more, the subsequent column within the line flips its fold course. This ends in a tally of the variety of squeezes.
Every column can signify a 1, however they’ll additionally signify bigger values for limitless counting potential. It’s also attainable to increment by multiples directly by squeezing the block extra. That will depend on the geometry of the block and its columns.
To make your personal Beam Counter, all you want is a 3D printer and a few two-component silicone with the right provides for mixing and molding. You may use the 3D printer to manufacture the mould, which must have the right geometry for this complete idea to work. You may as well 3D-print a body for the block, which makes it simpler to carry out a uniform squeeze and to maintain it from resetting earlier than you are achieved counting.
However in the event you aren’t skilled with pouring silicone molds, it is best to know that it may be tough. Air bubbles are an enormous concern, so it is extremely useful to make the most of a vacuum chamber or one thing like vibration to launch these bubbles earlier than the silicone cures. It is perhaps attainable to 3D-print the block as a substitute of molding it, however most versatile supplies aren’t squishy sufficient for this goal.
