Building a LEGO Pneumatic Engine with Variable Valve Timing
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- Опубликовано: 13 май 2024
- 🔽 A LEGO Pneumatic Switchless Machine with adjustable timing, working throttle with idle mechanism, openable controls panel and building instructions. 🔽
This engine is a custom creation of my own. Build around a single pneumatic cylinder, with air distribution using custom valves. The switchless valves are composed of 2 hose loops by cylinder chambers, which are operated by pushers with a single camshaft, enabling to pinch the hose to restrict the air flow. It's switchless in the sense that it doesn't use the official LEGO switch. In LEGO lingo this is called a switchless mechanism, not to say it doesn't have a switch, but to say it didn't use a LEGO switch metapiece.
The whole valve assembly can rotate around the camshaft, enabling a rotation angle offset between the camshaft assembly and the crankshaft, in order to adjust precisely the timing (ignition point of internal combustion engine). The yellow wheel on the front panel controls the timing angle, with a visual indicator as the yellow connector.
The model is also equipped with working throttle, which works on the same principle as the switchless valve, by using a pinched loop to restrict the air flow. It is operated by linkage which is connected to the red throttle. Then, a idle mechanism, which acts as a adjustable endstop enables to set up the idle of the engine, which is operated by the red wheel.
To finish, the control panel can be open to see the internal mechanism.
📲 Building instructions, review, pictures : www.nico71.fr/product/switchl...
📐 Dimensions : 26cm (L) x 17cm (W) x 19cm (H)
Simpler version of this engine : • Building a simple LEGO...
00:00 : Building the Engine
02:32 : First Run (1.5 bars)
02:58 : Throttle Assembly and Idle Mechanism
03:44 : Second run (1.5 bars)
04:04 : Timing Mechanism and Controls Panel
05:20 : Model Presentation
05:52 : Third Run (2 bars)
06:57 : Lowest Possible Speed
07:37 : Last Run : Max speed, 4 bars
07:51 : Building Instructions Previews
08:01 : Outro
🔔 If you like my Lego work, please subscribe and activate the RUclips notifications ! 🔔
🎁 My creations for sale (Parts+Instructions) :
-Genuine LEGO Bricks : buildamoc.com/collections/nico71
-Alternative Bricks : www.lesdiy.com/collections/Ni...
📷 Instagram : / nico71_technic_creations
👍 Facebook : / nico71creations
📕 Review and building instructions : www.nico71.fr/ 
Наука
📲Building Instructions : www.nico71.fr/product/switchless-pneumatic-machine/
hi
I like the sound of the pneumatic engine when it's in operation. Wash wash wash wash wash wash wash wash wash
Cool on vid
Ya simple
@@davidkumolka2462 ßa
This might actually be the first time I've seen somebody try to have variable timing on a LPE. Very impresssive!😳👏
Thanks ! I have made a similar build a decade ago on my hot bulb tractor with a differential, you can check it on my channel 👍
@@Nico71Fr The tractor was also cool! Next step should be to not alter timing but altering the duration of how long the air is injected. That way you can save some air when at high speed. The principle is used in steam locomotives when they're at cruising speed
@@svenlangstrom8927 indeee it can be interested to have such thing like that
@@svenlangstrom8927 I don't see why you couldn't build a LEGO equivalent of Walschaerts valve gear using this valve mechanism. Would be more complicated but really interesting
@@Whatsinanameanyway13 I've tried but it's *a lot* of friction at least in a smaller scale so it can fit on lego tracks and it has a tendency to not run very smooth
What a "simple", yet genious out of the box mechanism! I envy you for your freedom of spirit and creativity 🙂
Thanks Bruno ! 🙏
But it's kinda in the box though...
You call that simple.
You spelt “genius” wrong.
@@minecraftplayer4529 I bet you make mistakes too, mr know-it-all
Fantastic work! The control panel and visual feedback of changing the timing is amazing. Great work
Thanks ! I like a lot the control panel too !
Using a wheel as a cam was really clever. I love how quiet it is, and that at high rpm it started sounding like a steam locomotive.
How?
Next up: Lego VTEC
This is SO COOL, and I imagine that adding a second piston at 90° timing offset would make this engine run even smoother since it's already double-acting! :D
Thanks ! Yes, but it will require to have additional hose loop assembly (4 by cylinders). But if you put two cylinders at 180° you can reuse the same tubing.
The use of that screw as an idler adjustment is awesome. I love it.
I love how you take the time to include instructions so people at home can replicate it. the same can't be said about most other Lego channels. Keep up the good work!
Thanks ! My goal was always to propose creations that people can reproduce 👍
the sound is magnificent, motivational, majestic, and operates like an steam engine.
Thanks 🙏
After watching the full video 3 times I was about to ask some guidance about why the red center piece must be precisely rotated but it was clearly explained in the description, so thank you for having me covered :D Brilliant work!
I'm still lost 💀
@@ps2slim513 it's needed to synchronize the valves with the piston. You want one of the valves to be fully open (and the other fully close) when the piston is at its max length. This design actions the valves by rotating the small wheel in the middle of the red center piece. Since this wheel is connected to the output shaft actioned by the piston, and lego axles only allows positioning pieces in 90º stepss, he needs to rotate the valves around the wheel to fully adjust them
@@dariasteam I'm glad someone understood. I was lost and it looked like magic to me.
this is closer to a steam train than you might realize! the timing adjustment in trains is achieved by a lever that moves the cam offset (called the reverser) and you have a regulator lock, very similar to regulator handles on steam locos
Yes, I plan to look about a pneumatic engine with valve gear as on locomotive 👍
This is great, nice way of regulating the airflow! This not only looks great but also the sound it makes is really nice
Thanks !
Switchless technology is such a fascinating breakthrough! Green Gecko has also used it in his latest engine designs.
I think this type videos reach way more people than your 'older' videos. This one is really nice! Keep up the good work!
Indeed, you're right !
What an absolutely stunning design - well done Nico! I'll for sure be picking up your instructions
Thanks 👍
I love a good control panel, what an awesome build! Very inspiring!
Thanks !
Absolutely genius work it really is! Only thing this video is missing in my opinion is a live RMP reading on that flywheel. I think your viewers would love that to see digitally how each input changes the output
Thanks ! Yes I wanted to have a centrifugal governor to take the speed as I did on my steam machine, but did not have enough space in the machine, maybe for a next one !
@@Nico71Fr great stuff either way, keep up the good work! (Please!)
As one of your longest viewers (14 Years - Yes, from the VERY EARLY DAYS), across multiple RUclips accounts, I must admit that this has to be one of the most ingenious methods of Lego Pneumatic's that I have ever seen implemented.
It has been great to rediscover your channel this morning after an almost 10 year hiatus from Lego in my life due to a multitude of reasons, but I have kept up-to-date on the progress of your works as time has gone by when I can and I just want to say that it is incredible to see the changes & improvements in your skills.
As a very skilled but not very vocal builder myself I can fully appreciate the complexities of your newer creations and the various limitations imposed upon them.
You should be very proud of yourself!
You are incredibly gifted & skilled as a builder and designer of some amazing Lego MOC's.
Keep on doing what you do and continue to improve your skills, maybe one day you'll be able to sell your creations in their own uniquely printed boxes straight from your website much like Lego do themselves!
All the best to you Nico,
Peace ✌️
Wow, such a long time, I am happy that you are still here ! Many thanks for your heart touching comment 🙏
@@Nico71Fr It's great too see you are still active and enjoying the hobby!
You're newer creations are obviously superior to what you made in the past, but having been following for so long I get to fully appreciate your progression over the years and it inspires me to perhaps consider getting back into doing a few MOC's again myself.
Keep up the great work and I may just pop by your store come my next pay day haha
Peace ✌️
I love that it has its own cruise mode
Incredible I didn't think there would be pipes that work as an idrollic system
DAMN that is a real creative switchles design that just shows how much u know about this and it is amazing nice job!!!
Thanks !
Great video. The timing adjustment feature is just great. What kind of compressor do you use?
Thanks ! I you notice, I have been inspired a lot from your content for editing the video ! For the compressor, it is a 50l compressor using for compressed air tools. You can see it in the video about the simple switchless engine.
Wow, your engine looks wonderful. ❤ I am no technician, but my heart blooms every time when I see such wonderful, well thought out and implemented creations.
Just the fact that the air hose is routed through a hole in the beam puts a big grin on my face! 😂 Great job, Nico, well done! 👍
Haha, 356 internet trolls dislike this video/project ... yes, it's "just" a hobby/toy clamping blocks, but I wonder how anyone could be so stupid as to not like such a great work. No one have to like everything, but the fact of the quality and time spent in those videos is worth a thumbs up! And I bet that none of them have their ass in their pants or had to (understandably) justify their dislike. That had to be said. 🤣
I do appreciate that you left instructions
I’m a noob AFOL and you have just blown my mind🤯. That is amazing build.
This is awesome!
This is awesome! Thanks for sharing!
just adding a "centrifugal governor" and you got the full Huygens / Watt machine !!
nice 😍
I like how you tilt the whole switch box to adjust the timing.
It is indeed satisfying to search the perfect timing ⚙
Very cool build, I hope to see many more with of this quality and attention to detail in the future.
I hope too ! I plan to build some vehicle and then try to build a 6 cylinders radial engine with the same principle 👍
YESSS! Pneumatics are back!
Brooooo, thats insane
Next a V8 switchless engine?
Oh god, it will requires a lot of hose spaghetti to make it run ! A boxer V6 would be easier as I can reuse some hose for the air escapement and the intake.
Green gecko workshop is typing....
I remember playing Lego as a kid and being proud of a wonky little house with a door and windows that can swing open. What the heck did I just watch...WOW! Serious engineering talent, I genuinely enjoy your videos! This could also fall under the ASMR category.
Thanks :) Have a look to the other creations I did, it is in a different style of video 👍
This is pretty awesome!
very well done! i love the control panel !
Thanks !
Love the sound.
'Tis of course with 5:52
I like your variable valve timing setup. I’ve figured out a far simpler way without rotating the entire valve assembly by using a differential.
Différentiel is good too, I have made a similar mechanism 10 years ago on my hot bulb pneumatic tractor if you want to check. But the problem is the play and so the backlash at the invention of the mechanism when you search the perfect timing point.
I had wondered if play in the additional gears might be an issue, but I still want to try it. A 4 spider gear differential might help but I’ve never seen one.
@@wildestthornberry3349 it can depending of what you want to do. It will not affect the basic functionning (the engine will run, the adjustable timing too) but the play in back and forth will make the "perfect tuning point" hard to find. Putting a 4th spider gear in the differential case is hard because the axis of the differential pinion is moulded in the cage.
I’ll tinker and see if I can eliminate some of that play. Perhaps metal shafts and gears could reduce flex. I’ll let you know what I come up with.
What you’ve built here is an oscillating diaphragm valve, ingenious way as well.
Thanks to putting words on it 👍
I've always wanted something like this as a kid. This blew me out of the water! I didn't know the bar could go that high!! (pun intended)
Fascinating! Great work, this is a nice follow-up from Brick Technology's video.
Indeed, a great source of inspiration (brick experiment too), even if I am waaaay far behind than them.
You have just ceated your first Pneumatisk system, with HOMEMADE valve out of LEGO. Good job 😇👍🏻
I am not the first to build a custom valve system but the first who have created this particular system using pinching loop with pusher and camshaft.
Now that is very cool.
The model sounds like a steam engine, and has steam-locomotive-style controls to boot! 10/10! If only I had the parts (or the budget) for a build like this...
good work my guy 👍
Sending you lots of love and best wishes for the New Year! 😍
In some respects, a very simple device, but that represents about three hundred years of technical innovation and engineering.
Well said !
VTEC kicked in yo!
It's so satisfying to watch. :) Congrats :)
Thanks !
At higher engine speeds, adjust the advance for more power. Air propogation through the cylinder is always the same speed so you need to start it earlier for high efficiency.
Cool roller cam design! Might have been better off with removing the rubber though for lower friction
Indeed, on internal combustion engine, the variable timing distribution is often used because of the difference of the speed of the mixture to compare with low RPM, a good example is on the Vtec from Honda. Regarding the roller, it is necessary to have enough friction in order the small pulley rotate, if not it can slip and so do lose more power than without it.
Probably the best lego custom machine I've ever seen.
Thanks Edward ! 🙏
Dude it is amazing 😮🎉❤
Very ingenious!
Absolutely beautiful the way you create, design an have an amazing theme of colors!
I'm curious if you pulled this idea from an irl creation? Or if by sheer will you brought this from your head.
From my head :)
I like the fact that he didn’t use electronics for the controls, he kept it manual like the old steam engines!
Thanks !
Wow, I am amazed.
Großartig !
i like the sound during build :D like ASMR
Thanks ! I will try to improve the sound with addition mic.
Years later we found out it was the LEGO playing with the builder all along, and not the other way around.
I think you can build your own village with all these amazing creation and idea😂❤
I have enough parts, don't know about the hoses though, but will buy anyway. Wonderful design as always
Thanks ! All is explained on the article on my website, please have a look 👍
Nice build
excellent work- just earned a new subber
Thanks ! Welcome :)
I expected this to be a random shitpost video, I did not expect a full-on lesson. Beautifully done mate.
Absolutely insane. Impossible not to subscribe.
Thanks !
Cool machine 👍
Tbh this makes far more logical sense then using switches, plus gives more control and is just far cooler
So cool this is awesome! 😂❤
Have you tought of upgrading the pneumatic cilinder. Like you could lubricate the cilinder and increase the intake and exhaust of air by increasing the diameter of the pipes and their respective intakes/exhaust
Hello, yes but I never wanted to modify my LEGO pneumatic parts. This creation is more a demonstration of removing the LEGO switch by build on, and so get rid of the friction and dead point of the lego switch. Then, the cylinder remains unmodified and so have some friction. I think it will raise more rpm for sure. For now, the only things I have authorize is to use a non lego air source, because pumping over and over is not very handy for the camera, so the compressor 50l is a good addition.
@@Nico71Fr ok. The video is yours the creations is yours you do what you want and what you can. Apart from this AMAZING video. 👍
Super cool, and we get to see how to build it in the video!😃😃
Indeed, I hope it can help !
Skipping ahead on Lego builds videos, especially in the techic, is like that moment of distraction in math class and all of a sudden the blackboard is full of numbers and letters and stuff you have no clue on how got there
Just awesome, they should make a box of this and then add another cylinder :)
You should make one with multiple pistons for more torque. Great video!
I will in a next video ! I dream for a radial engine !
It's very nice
We need to see this on lego ideas
Отличная постройка!
very very Cool ! and interssting mechanik
OHH. That is so smart😎
hello I'm from Brazil but I've been watching your videos for a long time 😀
amazing..
Fantastic model. I would point out, though, that the kinked rubber hoses are the switches, so not technically a "switchless" mechanism. I would also point out that over time the rubber hoses will degrade and may suffer from air loss due to repeated kinking of them. This is because rubber products tend to do that. What really needs to happen is that someone has to figure out a 3D printed or machined part that does what the kinking action does, but allows for less overall wear and tear. Very good model otherwise, nice use of non pneumatic parts to make a very well thought out model! 😊👍
pressing the tube against a flat surface with a wheel might work instead of kinking
Well, technically the design is 'switchless' in the regards of not using Lego pneumatic switch pieces that direct airflow depending which way the lever of the switch is thrown. From what I've seen on other channels with LPE's those switch pieces typically need to be modded by opening up the inlets to let more air flow freely through them to optimise efficiency and speed of throwing the switches using the kinetic energy of the driveshaft of the engine to operate the switch piece (which in turn saps some potential energy of the system by fighting against the pressure in the switches in order to throw them).
so cool, even sounds like a loco
so great
Wish Lego could make this type of stuff to buy of the shelf
Man re-invented the switch
fascinating
Insane creativity as always NICO71s
Thanks ! 🙏
That’s pretty cool you can adjust the valve assembly like a distributor on a real engine
Thanks, indeed I like a lot this function !
Very good
Other people making lego: advanced machinery and works of art
Me: haha fish
I wish I had the same creativity as you
That is really cool! I like how it's a lot quieter than normal LPEs.
Is the cylinder modified?
And does it damage the hoses at all?
It is not modified at all and do not damage the hose from what I have seen. I recommend anyway to disconnect the hose in case of long display without running to avoid that the hose keep the shape.
@@Nico71Fr ah, ok thanks. It's good to know that if I make this I won't have to modify cylinders!
"You're lucky that 4 bar shot of O2 didn't blow the welds on the intake... Almost had ME?..."
What do you mean by the welds on the intake ?
this is some next level enginering! I like it! nice!
Thanks Dennis !
I need one of those pumps
mans gonna have a whole car build by 2024
Verry good
Is it not possible give more than one like? Genius! I need to buy this instructions! Let me tell to my wife!
this valve mechanism solves alot of the mechanical issues you normally have with the valve pieces, where you have to modify them to make them less "stiff".... Tho this solution isnt new, this is a very elegant iteration of it.
Thanks !