How to Build an Overunity Motor

Leonardo da Vinci was one of the many individuals who tried to reach overunity.

For centuries, mankind has tried to create a device that reaches overunity, or in other words, runs on its own energy. The first law of thermodynamics, however, correctly states that we cannot output more energy than we put in. For example, if we were to put in a gallon of gasoline into an engine, the engine would never be able to produce an energy output equivalent of putting in two gallons. Despite this, however, many still try to achieve the effect through numerous devices. One of these is the overbalancing wheel, which can be built using simple tools and materials.

Things You'll Need

• ½-inch thick hardwood board
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Table saw
• Electric drill
• ¼-inch drill bit
• ½-inch thick square hardwood dowel
• 8 box hinges, ½-inch wide
• Superglue
• ¼-inch diameter hardwood dowel
• Safety goggles
• Gloves

Instructions

1. Lay a half-inch thick hardwood board flat on the work surface. Draw out an octagon with half-inch sides using a pencil and ruler, making sure that each side is equal to the others in length and position. Mark the center of the octagon by drawing a line between two opposite sides and another line perpendicular to it in the same manner.

2. Cut out the octagon using a table saw, being careful to follow the outline as closely as possible. Set aside any scrap wood, and drill a hole through the center point marked in Step 1 using an electric drill with a quarter-inch drill bit. Cut a half-inch-thick square hardwood dowel into 16 identical seven-eighth-inch-long pieces using a table saw.

3. Place two of the seven-eighth-inch long pieces from Step 2 together so that their ends touch, creating a 1 ¾-inch-long piece. Connect the two pieces by gluing a half-inch-wide box hinge to the point where they meet. The hinge should be positioned so that its joint lies in the middle of the two pieces.

4. Repeat Step 3 until you create eight identical pieces 1 ¾-inch long. One half of each piece should be able to fold over the other half, creating a joint.

5. Glue the pieces to each side of the octagon from Step 2 so that the hinges on the right-hand side are facing up. Position a quarter-inch diameter hardwood dowel through the hole in the center of the octagon using superglue, creating an axle. When the wheel is turned, the eight pieces will appear to be counterbalancing each other, creating “overunity.”

Tips & Warnings

• Take caution when working with power tools, especially saws and drills. Wear safety goggles and gloves, along with long sleeves.

• Use gloves when working with superglue, as it can easily stick fingers together. If any superglue comes in contact with your skin, wash it off immediately using warm water or rubbing alcohol.

References

• Menloschool.org: Jack's Perpetual Motion Project
• Physics Planet: Three Laws of Thermodynamics