Dragon bone waterwheel engineering model

07.08 Despite my severe procrastination, I finally learned to create simple animations to demonstrate the assembly, and updated the base model to reduce its polygon count

06.05 Updated the chain link section model, changed to pin fixing for easier installation, added flow direction indicators to the chain to prevent incorrect assembly; added a pre-plated version for A1 mini, the base adapted for mini needs to be joined with mortise and tenon and glue needs to be applied at the seams to prevent leaks (AB glue is more suitable, 502 has a high failure rate, flexible glues like B7000 also work, make sure to apply thoroughly and let it dry completely)

05.27 Updated dimensions for the drive wheel and rotating shaft for easier installation; updated details of the wall-mounted pipe to accommodate the new rotating shaft; added a complete water intake and outflow base (plate 3), allowing you to enjoy the waterwheel without needing a fish tank

This project is a restored model based on the structure of the Dragon Bone Waterwheel recorded in 'Tiangong Kaiwu' (The Exploitation of the Works of Nature), combining education with entertainment

The Dragon Bone Waterwheel originated around the Eastern Han Dynasty and is traditionally attributed to Bi Lan during the reign of Emperor Ling of Han. After being modified and improved by Kongming (Zhuge Liang) during the Three Kingdoms period, it was widely used in the Shu Kingdom, hence the waterwheel is also known as the 'Kongming Cart'. The inventor Ma Jun also made improvements during the Three Kingdoms period, and by the Sui and Tang dynasties, it was widely used for agricultural irrigation, with a history of over 1700 years to this day

Attempting to replicate this chain-driven structure was a very interesting process, the results are excellent, our ancestors were indeed brilliant