The history of wooden gears

The history of wooden gears

The physics of computer games is based on our own perception of reality. It might feel as if the pull in the trebuchet’s slack is perfect, the angle is set correctly for you to make your shot, while all your finger actually senses is a smooth touchscreen.

By presenting the UGEARS mechanical models project on Kickstarter two Ukrainians decided to freshen upour memories about actual real-life mechanics. Their mechanical assembly models allow you to feel everycog, experience the work of energy that is not coming from an electrical cord. Working with these mechanisms brings up forgotten knowledge and skills. It is almost like taking a bite of your favorite pie from childhood – you will recognize this excitement when the model, fully assembled by your own hands, starts going.

It will take you from one hour to half a day to put one model together.

Denis (project proponent):

Usually, the tractor needs two hours to assemble, while the tram takes up to four. If our models came fully assembled, we would deprive the customer of a glorious feeling of creation. In the process of assembly, there is an important moment of “birth” – when the model shows the first spark of life. This is extremely exciting. No glue is needed to put the UGEARS mechanical models together. It makes the whole process more convenient and fun as well as gives you the possibility to dismantle the model

to make repairs or replace parts. In order to make this possible, we had to invent a lot of tricks. Today, the solutions we discovered allow building a three-dimensional mechanical moving model out of a set of that details. At that, due to the specific nature of our models, we are quite limited in terms of shapes and connecting methods we can utilize. We have to wrestle with a problem of designing seemingly simple parts – which made of plastic or metal would be quite basic – to make the whole breakthrough at the end. The models have simple gearing as well as bevel gears, ratchets, pendulums, flywheels, leverage mechanisms, transmission belts, Geneva drives, wooden bearings, and pneumatic systems. Sometimes, it takes us months of cuts and tries to finally say “Eureka!” It wouldn’t go amiss to mention that one of the glue-less connecting methods we invented has been internationally licensed.

The designing of a new model takes from two to six months. The “raw” model can be produced quicker but multiple improvements and tweaking are far more time-consuming. In order to make the laser outline on plywood become a part that will comprise a model, the accuracy range must not exceed +/- 0.1mm. This is also limited by the natural material we use. It is of course eco-friendly and generally very cool. The first thing people notice when open the box is a pleasant smell of wood. But for us, the manufacturer, it is an additional challenge. The material is not as homogeneous and smooth as plastic, which must be taken into account. Our
quality control checks every step of the production. Our models will serve you for years, and after that, the constructions can be recycled with no harm to the environment.

Today we have more than 10 models including “Steam locomotive”, “Tractor”, “Chronometer”, “Dynamometer”, “Trailer”, “Tram”, “Mechanical Theatre”, “Mechanical box”, “Engine”, and “Safe”. We are continuously working on new designs for the future models.

Our idea list has over 100 new mechanisms. Some people see our models as real-life steam-punk designer items; others expect us to reach the level of automatons created by the masters of the past. We will follow the collectors’ anticipations to make sure our designs are desirable and appreciated. We put special meaning and ideas in every model. For example, the “Tram” is the most romantic mechanism, while the “Tractor” is an amiable one. The motion of the gears has its dazzling magic and attraction. The chronometer ticks away the time. The tractor rides alone with a busily rattling. The locomotive is a mechanical embodiment of power and movement. It is not just a construction we wanted to create but a piece of art that will bring the beautiful world of mechanics closer and make it more comprehensible. We give people what they miss – the feel of real motion, real mechanics that they make work by themselves.

The kit has all you need for assembly: a set of high-quality plywood boards with laser cutout parts, detailed step-by-step instructions, and additional details, including toothpicks used as axles and pins, rubber bands, and in some cases – fishing-line. Toothpicks can be a bit surprising. Even though they work perfectly, we consider changing them to more presentable specially manufactured details. Specially designed axels would have to virtually retain the same characteristics – slightly wider ones will increase tension, while longer axels and pins lose durability. Toothpick sit reliably inside and are very easy to replace at the same time. On Kickstarter, we present our exclusive model – the locomotive. It looks realistic and very unusual at the same time. Made of wooden parts assembled without glue, which allows them to retain mobility, the locomotive is a very impressive mechanism. Spinning gears, pistons and wheels carry the core and soul of XIX century engineering. Equipped with a rubber band motor, the model can run up to a distance of 5 meters. We designed the locomotive so that you could observe the working pistons and valves – moving in anti-phase like in a real steam engine. The model has many technical details that make it even more interesting. The lever switches regimes: forward, back, and idle. Another lever gets the whole mechanism going. The train has a folding ladder, doors, tender hatch, and a tow-bar.

The locomotive kit includes 500 detailed parts but we also have models that are not so complex.

For example, one of the most amazing UGEARS models is the 20 minutes Chronometer. The mechanical timer that can be set for a period from one to 20 minutes. If the alarm mechanism is set when the time runs out, you will hear a pleasant sound. The timer has a special roller pendulum and a lever for amplitude adjustment on its backside. It is powered by the pull of a simple oce rubber band. This model went through a great deal of improvements and refinements to become this beautiful piece of machinery that anyone can put together for their delight.

One of our most exciting models is the Tractor – rattling greetings from the past century. The model is using a rubber band motor. It has a transmission switch that provides three options: “park”, “drive” and “sport”. You wind up the mechanism in the “park” regime and switching it to the “drive” mode you make it go at an easy pace growling and moving pistons. Switch to “sport” and your Tractor will gain an all-geared speed! It also can come with an optional trailer with a drop side.

Tram – the most romantic model. It can deliver your message to someone sitting in front of you at the table – this model is equipped by a special message box. It has a winding wheel on its roof but in addition to rubber band drive it can work as a funicular. At each end of its trail we installed special levers that pulls the rails up
making the car go down to the opposite side. We have models designed to brighten up your oce interior. Among such there is a “Mechanical box” for
business cards and bankcards. As well as a recently released Safe with a proper mechanic safelock with a three digit code you can set.

We designed a pneumatic motor with no additional apex seals. It works on a slight air pressure such as, for example, a simple balloon would provide if attached to the motor.
Our product range oers other exciting collectibles: a mechanical theatre in which interchanging characters show a small play, as well as a large combine, and dynamometer.

Gennady (partner):

As they say, men are big children, only their toys are more expensive. We want our models to have interesting mechanics as well as to be attractive as something you’d like to give or receive as a gift or a souvenir. Elaborate designs with many mechanical parts and gears is something indispensably interesting and spectacular especially in the process of working.

In 2014, we joined our eorts to create our own mechanical 3D model production based in the suburbs of Kyiv, Ukraine. Today we have a team of 20 enthusiastic people. Work is a pleasure for them. They invest their creativity and love in their craft, which you receive in each of the models. Due to a high level of accuracy and quality, it is easy to put the details together forming a complete model. One of the connecting methods we invented and use has an international license.

Why Kickstarter?

This is our first project on Kickstarter. We are a small company. Although our production line is fully established and a lot of amazing mechanisms have already been created. Having Kickstarter support, we’ll be able to hire more designers and release new models. We have a list of ideas that counts over a 100 new concepts we want to realize and present to you. We believe that crowdfunding is the best way to expand the audience interested in innovational products.