Da Vinci’s Catapult
A simple, small model of an unique leaf spring catapult designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
Datasheet:
Completion date: 30/08/2011
Power: wind-up crank
Weight: 75 g
Model of one of the Leonardo da Vinci’s less famous inventions: a catapult using a leaf spring to fire projectiles, which makes it unique in terms of Medieval technology. The original catapult was to use a single wooden leaf spring – an idea probably inspired by a bow. It did not become popular due to high manufacturing costs at the time. There was a number of full-size models recreated today, and they proved capable of throwing stone projectiles just under a quarter mile. My model, whose scale is difficult to determine, can throw a regular Lego ball just under two meters.
It took me a while to find a Lego element of proper elasticity – I eventually settled for two 12 L axles. It seemed that the axles will get bent permanently from the tensions present in the model, but eventually the did not – they turned out to be perfectly straight after disassembly. I believe a catapult using the same principles to work without risking damage to any Lego pieces could be made with two rigid levers mounted on tension bars, but that would look very much different from Leonardo’s original design. I wanted the model to be mechanically accurate; this is also why I didn’t include any arm-stopping mechanism that could potentially increase the range – I simply haven’t found any in the original drawings.
@Sariel
Thanks
@JT Robotics
Just a regular string, about 1 mm thick.
What did you use for string? (if it is string)
@jelly
Well, you can build it by looking at photos and using your brain. That’s like 50 pieces there, a baby could build it.
ps .ferrari enzo gears are cool
hello sariel
how i can build dat catapult i need it for my class experiments
pls gimme a link or something
I am using http://sariel.pl/2011/08/da-vincis-catapult/ for part of my science project! (Btw that is is website page) 😀
@Sariel
Thanks! Pieces on their way. A whole new part of the LEGO universe just opened up to me. 🙂
@John
http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=32012
Hi, great model! I want to use this for an elementary science class, but my stumbling block is the winch spool. Any idea where I can source this piece? Thanks.
@jerkerhead
Let me quote the description right above:
“It seemed that the axles will get bent permanently from the tensions present in the model, but eventually the did not – they turned out to be perfectly straight after disassembly.”
did you end up breaking any of the axles
i hawe built this one and instadd of shooting balls i am shootin worm gears so works greate:) but i am shooting mayb3 to 4 meters
@Nathanoj and @Sariel
http://www.amazon.com/Leonardos-Machines-Secrets-Inventions-Codices/dp/8809043634
Here’s is the link of the book. And yeah, I was at the uffizzi museum too. Very small world indeed
@Mike
Don’t know, it’s one of the things I haven’t looked well into yet.
Nice and simple! Can you make a ballista?
This is really neat! I agree, it is a shame that 2 axles have to be sacrificed for historical accuracy. I would love to see more models of Medieval technology.
@joraaver @sariel I have that too! I think got mine in the uffizzi museum, Florence, Italy, where the statue of David is (so good luck getting one paul 😉 ).
Quite a good model, 2 meters is impressive from something 12cm long, especially from Lego 🙂
@Mecho12345
Funny, the description is so short and you still didn’t read it.
poor axles 🙁 how far can it shoot?
@Joraaver
Thank you. I think I should look for such a book, must be a good reading 🙂
Wow, amazing. I have a book of Leonardo Da Vinci’s inventions, and this catapault is one of them. You matched his design perfectly. Congrats.
I was on here just a few minutes ago, and it wasn’t here. You must have just posted it. really cool design. Poor, poor axles though. 🙁