Grassroots Mechanic Movement

The PIE 2.0 is running much better now, and although it was not without frustration, I was finally able to make some test runs. I did have to make some repairs to the lower sun gear and I also corrected the crooked outer stop. One of the teeth on the lower sun gear broke off and when that happened the lower wheel started "jumping timing" like crazy. When the failure(s) happened, the timing got pushed to the 11 o’clock position and that is a bit too “retarded” or “late”, the planetary alignment position (I like that terminology) should be a bit earlier at about 10 o’clock. This late timing is very evident in the PIE’s upper framework, when running at just over 100 RPMs the upper frame deflects to the right which tells me I am losing forward propulsion power. I am fortunate enough to be able to see the upper part of the pie in my rear view mirror while driving so I was able to visually see that the timing was off. I took a short video of the sideways movement to demonstrate...

Well it works, but as with any new design there are issues. I have put around 19 miles on it and it really does seem to work well, when it will keep running. First and foremost is the locking up problem. The little springs did a reasonably good job of stopping the lockup on start-up, unless I started it at a bit of a higher speed. High speed start-up would overpower the springs and locking was still an issue. Then came the locking problem while driving. Every time I might hit a bump, or tap the brakes, it would lock up. So, I took the weights off, cut the metal tab off for the outer stops, and welded stops onto the planet gears. One corner of each weight then had to be trimmed so it would not hit the new stops and viola, no more locking. I did get one of the stops a bit crooked, but I will fix that next week. Second was the drill motor kept cutting out. Apparently, there is a bad spot in the variable speed trigger, and (of course) I found it. With the new stops came a bit of a smooth...

The PIE 2.0 is basically ready for real world testing. The PIE is fastened to a pallet and is being driven by the cordless drill used to test it. I made a bracket for the drill and "gutted" an inoperative battery pack so I could connect wires easily. This allows me to power it from the vehicle's electrical system or a 12V battery so that a simple on/off control is accessible to the driver. PIE 2.0 Ready to come off Work Bench    The Power for the PIE 2.0, and the Bracket for the Drill I do still need a weather cover as it will be tested in the same pickup truck as the PIE 1.0 was, but that is the simple part of the whole project. I will be posting all findings here on the blog and also on MeWe ( www.mewe.com/i/bryanstclair ). I want to reaffirm the intent of the Grassroots Mechanic Movement (GMM) to freely distribute and promote the "reactionless" propulsion technology of the Pulsed Inertial Engine (PIE). I do not advertise the Grassroots Mechanic Movement, and ...

Building Upward & Using Torsion Springs I have repeatedly said that I would make this project 100% open source, I am keeping my word and even though I don’t have it ready to run yet, I am posting a reasonably major update now. I have not posted any real updates as to the status of the PIE 2.0 build in the last few days, so here is what I’m up to. The PIE 2.0 is progressing very well so far. I had a problem with the weights “jamming” on start up because I am using the planet gear axles as the outer stops. This seems to be alleviated by using very weak torsion springs to push the weights out of the position that jams the rotation. The springs add very little to the force of the weights swinging outward and should pose no significant change to operation. I will include more info about the springs if anyone requests it, and if there is someone following this who is also building a PIE 2.0, I can get these springs for you if you let me know. The significant portion of this update ...

The PIE 2.0 build continues as the new chain drive works very well and the unit is now being assembled on its own base so that it will be mobile. It is a notable observation that the PIE 2.0 pulled the work bench out of place on multiple occasions during individual component testing. Bench Testing It is easy to see the rpm variation potential now that slip is eliminated between the drill and the PIE’s wheel. For testing purposes, I have braced the drill with a piece of metal so it wouldn’t keep pulling it back and causing speed variations since I was not holding it steady enough. As I continue the build, I still have not decided on a motor to power it. I do not want to commit to any particular motor design or speed, before doing some initial testing. There is still more work to do before I get to that point, at which time I will post those results here as well. I am certain of is that if the PIE 2.0 becomes much more powerful, the whole unit will need a redesign so that it does n...

Bench Testing Chain Drive with Drill as Power Source I finally got my sprockets for the chain drive! They are surplus so there are nicks and dings, but nothing a file won’t easily fix. They have an “unfinished” one-inch (25 mm) hole, that puts the hole slightly undersized, but that actually worked out in my favor for use on the jack shaft as it made for a nice press fit on the 1” section of shaft. I then welded the sprocket into place on the shaft to make it a permanent install. I used a plasma cutter to open the 1” holes up on the sprockets being used on the wheels, that way there is no need for spacers to mount them on the axles. Cutting the hole open like that is ugly, but I don't really care, as it cannot be seen once it is installed. I put it together enough to see the chain drive work with a cordless drill running it up to approximately 1500 RPMs. I still need the parts bolted to the plank base so that nothing can shift position with the weights installed. I believe...