There is an excellent exhibition of machines constructed from the drawings of Leonardo da Vinci. The exhibit is presently located in Lucca, Italy, at the Chiesa di San Cristoforo, on Via Fillungo, open daily 930 am to 730 pm. I originally saw this exhibit 2.5 years ago in Venice, and recently had another opportunity to view everything carefully. It is a marvelous experience, and if you should have the chance to study Leonardo’s machines, you will surely find it beneficial to your design activities.
The photo is of a self-propelled cart designed by Leonardo. It may have been designed for use in theatrical productions. The motive power is provided by two large spiral springs, wound inversely to one another, which turn the two drive wheels. There is an escapement mechanism which makes the motion smooth. A brake is provided. There is a small wheel for steering the cart. The entire assembly is very ingenious, and makes use of several of the mechanisms found elsewhere in Leonardo’s drawings. Reference folio 812r of the Codex Atlanticus.
The book “Leonardo’s Machines: Secrets and Inventions in the Da Vinci Codices”, edited by Mario Taddei and Edoardo Zanon, text by Domenico Laurenza, translated into English by Joan M. Reifsnyder, published in 2005 by Giunti Editore S.p.A., is closely related to the exhibition. If you cannot attend, perhaps you will have an opportunity to view this or another book.
The exhibition has a website: http://www.leonardoavenezia.com with some information. However, I noticeed only a brief mention of the Lucca exhibit at this website. I understand that the exhibit in Lucca is expected to remain there for several months. I am not certain that the Venice exhibition is continuing concurrently, but I believe that may be the case.
Best wishes,
Ken Roberts
04-May-2015
Logic, Astronomy, Science, and Ideas Too 