Shanghai Inertia

Look who rolls slowly — Basic Science exhibit for science museums

Reference image

Category	Basic Science
Topic	Mechanics
Interaction	Mechanical, hands-on
Standard size	1.2 x 0.8 x 1 m
Supply	Single unit or batch · OEM to your drawing
Lead time	Standard 4–8 weeks after deposit (confirmed per contract)
Warranty	1 year, structure and control
Documents	Specification sheet · control diagram · spare-part list

A standard catalogue model: the dimensions, control package and finish are fixed, which is what keeps the price and the lead time predictable. Size, colour and interface language can be adapted without a new design cycle.

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01 / Overview

The exhibit visually displays the characteristics of rotational inertia by comparing the differences in rolling speeds of wheels of the same weight with each other through hands-on comparison by participants.

02 / How visitors use it

Interaction type: Mechanical, hands-on. The unit is designed for unsupervised public use: controls are recessed or shielded, moving parts are enclosed, and the interface is operable by a child of about six with no instruction. Where a screen is used, the language can be switched without changing the hardware, and the content can be replaced on site.

03 / The science behind it

The exhibit consists of a steel structure booth, a simple balance, three transparent hollow wheels, a set of three inclined rails of the same specifications, and a synchronous release device. On the right side of the steel structure booth, there is a set of three identical inclined rails, and the starting point at the upper end is equipped with a limit device and a synchronous release device to ensure that the three wheels can depart simultaneously during interaction with visitors. The appearance and mass of the three transparent hollow wheels are the same. Wheel A is filled with particles inside, wheel B contains about 2/3 of the particles, and wheel C contains about 1/3 of the particles. The materials of the three types of particles are different, although their quantities and volumes are different, their weights are the same. Therefore, the appearance and weight of the three wheels are the same, but the distribution of the center of gravity is different. On the left side of the booth, there is a simple balance where visitors can weigh three wheels with the same weight.

04 / Built for a public floor

Every unit leaves the factory after a running test: mechanisms cycled, electronics burned in, edges dressed, fixings torqued and marked. Wear parts — bearings, sliders, lamps, belts, touch panels — are modular and listed on the spare-part sheet, so a venue technician can replace them without returning the exhibit. Crating is plywood with foam blocking; the loading plan and packing list travel with the shipment.