K'nex Geared Wind Turbine

The K'nex model has been used by students who are building models that are trying to take advantage of gears.  Other students have also used the K'nex parts to construct blades with varying levels of success.

 

Step #1
Find two K'nex gears that mesh well. If you want to take advantage of the gears try to find one really large one and one small.

 

 

 

 

 

Step #2
Insert a dowel piece that fits snuggly into the gear you wish to attach to the motor.  This is usually the small gear.  Glue into place.

 

 

 

Step #3
Drill , or use a small nail, to make a very small starter hole in the dowel, make sure that it is smaller than your motor shaft diameter and that it is centered in the dowel.

 

 

 

 

Step #4
Press the motor shaft and secure with small amounts of glue or epoxy.

 

 

 

Step #5
Devise a way for the big and little gear to mesh together while the larger gear is spun using the power of the wind. 

 

Student Models
Below are some close up pictures of models that have used K'nex parts with some success.  These were ambitious builders that used creative methods.  It can be done, but it is at times challenging!