Trammel of Archimedes (Mechanical Ellipsograph)

Trammel of Archimedes (Mechanical Ellipsograph)

"Two sliders going back and forth just to make your brain spin in circles." "Proof that two straight lines can secretly cheat on geometry to make a curve." "More predictable than your ex: Push it left and right, and it strictly follows the ellipse."

How It Works

This model is a functional demonstration of the Trammel of Archimedes, a classic mechanism used to trace ellipses. By constraining two sliders to move along perpendicular linear tracks, the connecting rod forces any given point on the arm to follow a precise elliptical path.

• Constrained Kinematics: Illustrates how simple mechanical constraints convert two straight linear movements into a smooth, curved path.
• Physics in Action: Highlights the balance between force distribution, momentum, and friction at mechanical dead-center points.
• Educational Toy: An engaging hands-on desktop model that makes geometry and mechanical engineering principles immediately visible.

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