YouTuber builds torque converter based on historical model with 3D printing

In a new video, YouTuber Robert Murray-Smith demonstrates the design and construction of a torque converter using 3D printing. George Constantinesco’s historical concept from the 1920s served as inspiration.

Using a 3D model of his own design, the YouTuber 3D printed the individual parts needed for the torque converter. At the heart of the system is an oscillating pendulum mechanism that stores excess energy to ensure a constant speed.

According to Murray-Smith, the converter works much like an electrical transformer, converting the reciprocating motion back into rotational motion with the help of a backstop. Overall, the video vividly demonstrates how this historic technology works.

Murray-Smith makes the 3D models used for this available for free on Thingiverse.