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A rolamite is easiest to understand in motion: a tensioned band holds rollers that move while rolling, rather than sliding. Start with a simple linear demonstration, then watch a rotary model to see how the same principle can produce a different kind of movement.
Watch the rolamite demonstrations
1. Start with a linear rolamite
Make’s “Rolamite videos” page, published July 18, 2009, points to a simple linear demonstration by AutogenicMotor. Watch the rollers translate along the mechanism while the band remains tensioned. The clip is useful for seeing the basic movement before considering the engineering details.
2. Compare it with a rotary model
The same Make article identifies a more complex rotary rolamite model by ErikBrinkman1. It shows how the rolling-and-band principle can be arranged for rotary motion rather than straightforward linear travel. Video availability can change, so check the host page if a clip no longer plays.
What the videos show—and how a rolamite works
A rolamite consists of free-moving rollers suspended within a tensioned band. The flexible band bends around the rollers; as the rollers move, they counter-rotate and roll against the band and enclosure. This arrangement reduces sliding friction. NASA describes the device as a mechanical suspension system that substantially reduces friction at extremely low bearing pressures.
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The demonstrations make the motion visible, but they are not a complete engineering specification. NASA’s public-use Tech Brief, report SAN-10001, is dated December 1, 1967, and provides a technical reference for the mechanism. NASA also notes that rolamite devices can be microminiaturized.
Who invented the rolamite, and what was it used for?
Sandia National Laboratories credits engineer Don Wilkes with inventing the rolamite in the 1960s. It was originally developed to detect a nuclear warhead’s acceleration pattern and was deployed in stockpile weapons. Later, rolamite switches were used to trigger automobile airbags; electronic sensors replaced them in the mid-1990s.
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Sources and further viewing
- Make: Rolamite videos — identifies the linear and rotary demonstrations.
- Sandia National Laboratories — describes the mechanism, inventor, and historical applications.
- NASA Technical Reports Server — summary of rolamite’s low-friction principle.
- NASA Tech Brief, SAN-10001 — public-use technical brief dated December 1, 1967.
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