Kite Line Climber

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[layangman]

I managed to get a reply from a friend in China and here's the instructions.  It says pop the rubberband around the bamboo and that's it! 
The tiny brass pulleys are really smooth, could be the reason that keeps the wings folded - speed - as it race down the kite line, just using my imagination.

Anyway I will try it (hopefully today) if the wind's up, I will take a video

Thanks again for all the thoughts.

[mikenchico]

I think Zeke is right, That rubber band is not at enough of an agle to re-open it against the wind.

I wonder does the butterfly also have a bit of a stopper against the bottom of that U loop that may help it stay in the open position? I'm thinking like the umbrella line poppers the inertia when it hits the stopper would bend the U slightly and also force the wings back and off the stop allowing it to fold back.

[Zeke]

Keep us posted on the results.  and don't lose or break that rubber band...you'd probably spend a lifetime recalibrating a new one..!!!

[layangman]

Zeke...you were 100% right on the button!  It worked!
Yes I had to calibrate the rubberband to produce just the right amount of tension so it collapses real easy.
I will put up a video soon on it, thanks to all for the help

[dadecitykiter]

I get it now.
Was trying to over think it.
Very simple and very cool.
I stand corrected.

Gary

[Zeke]

another thought.  if you imagine a dotted line between the two leading edge attachment points you essentially have 2 triangles base to base.  when the tension is momentarily released, the 'triangles' collapse, the wings close, and you have effectively a single line passing through the middle. the downward passage of the climber keeps the wings closed. were you to add increased airflow from the rear, the wings would open and tension themselves against the rubber band. whew...

[fidelio]

so it's just the climbing inertia which folds the wings when it hits the stopper? if so does that mean as it's falling the force of the wind on the wings thanks to gravity might be enough to open them again and reset itself automatically?

[layangman]

Yes, it resets itself when it hit my hand (I was holding the line).  Surprised....and I have 3 of them   If the wind picks up today, I will have the video on this climber...such a beauty.

[mikenchico]

Resets at the bottom? Very cool, sort of a perpetual motion thing.

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