The Dynasphere

Invented by Dr. John Purves in the early 1930s. The driver in the pictures and video is his son.

Many have noted the limitations of the Dynasphere. For instance, this is from Joe Rhatigan's Inventions That Could Have Changed The World But Didn't (2015):

the Dynasphere's driver had trouble steering, braking, and seeing the road in front of him. There was also a chance that the driver and his passengers would spin head over heels like a hamster that suddenly stops running in its wheel. These limitations kept the Dynasphere from ever appearing on our roads and highways.

It seems to me like these are all problems that computer-aided technology could overcome. So, given that the Dynasphere looks like it would be fun to drive, I'm surprised that a version of it isn't in production somewhere.

More info: wikipedia

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Posted By: Alex - Mon Mar 27, 2023
Category: 1930s | Cars

Comments

All monocycles suffer the Hamster Wheel Effect on sudden braking and acceleration. Resisting inertia might be done, but so far nothing.

Posted by eddi on 03/27/23 at 04:34 AM

Searching for "powered monowheel car" or the like reveals no end of these things, powered by combustion, electricity, steam, and what-have-you. (I definitely need one with a fusion engine.) There were several other powered ones in the 30's. At one time, you could buy one for $13,000 thru Hammacher Schlemmer that was made in The Netherlands. Maybe Richard Bos has one of these parked by his house.

Posted by Virtual in Carnate on 03/27/23 at 11:47 AM

How is that "spherical locomotion?" It certainly isn't a sphere.

Posted by ges on 03/27/23 at 09:23 PM

Do you think the "son" was the inspiration for the Dilbert comic strip boss?

Posted by Teri on 03/27/23 at 11:50 PM

Maybe if it was a sphere, it would take care of the visibility problem, as you could have a glass windshield and rear window. However, that would mean the vehicle would run like a crab i.e. sideways.

Posted by Yudith on 03/28/23 at 11:53 AM

Replace the 'tread' with bulldozer tracks. That removes hamster wheel effect (frame tilt disengages engine).

Make each tread hinged in the middle, so you can pull the sides in for fast travel, out for better stability.

Posted by Phideaux on 03/28/23 at 01:46 PM

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