What is the principle of the ancient south-pointing chariot?
1 Answers
The principle of the ancient south-pointing chariot involves two wheels. When the chariot turns, the rotation speeds of the two wheels differ. This speed difference drives the small figure to turn through a differential gear mechanism. Input system: The input system of the south-pointing chariot consists of the left and right wheels. When moving straight, both wheels rotate at the same speed; when turning, the rotation speeds of the left and right wheels differ, causing the chariot body to rotate. The south-pointing chariot is designed to counteract this rotation and keep the wooden figure pointing in a fixed direction. Transmission system: In the differential gear-based south-pointing chariot, the transmission system is a two-degree-of-freedom gear system, with the two inputs being the left and right wheels. When the left and right wheels rotate at the same speed, the input sun gear remains stationary; when there is a speed difference between the left and right wheels, it drives the sun gear connected to the wooden figure to rotate. Feedback system: The chariot shaft, serving as the feedback component, is located at the center of the chariot. When the chariot turns left, the shaft moves left, engaging the gears. The left wheel drives the output gear, ultimately causing the wooden figure to turn right to maintain its fixed direction. The same principle applies when turning right. Output system: The output system of the south-pointing chariot is the component that serves as the directional indicator.