How it works
Most of the mass of the Quark top is located in the flywheel. The flywheel begins at a precise radius from the center. The transition point to the flywheel is the mass optimization horizon (MOH). Everything towards the center from the flywheel is manufactured as light as possible. The flywheel itself is made as dense as practical.
Spin
times will vary widely according to the spin surface. A glass surface is
best.
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Balance accuracy |
10 microns |
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Balancing method |
Optical - laser |
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Counterweight pockets |
6 |
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Counterweight size |
10 milligrams |
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Tip material |
Tungsten carbide |
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The tip is made of tungsten carbide. The hardness of this material
avoids tip deformation which can detract from the optimum contact region.
The lower the radius of the contact region, the lower the tip
friction.
The handle is optimized by providing enough diameter to allow power
spins yet small enough to generate several revolutions during
launch.
The proportion of the disc diameter to the flywheel inside diameter and
to disk thickness are all optimized for maximum duration.
And finally the simple contour of the disk reduces surface area and
hence aerodynamic drag.
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By reducing aerodynamic drag, minimizing tip friction, optimizing
materials and structure, and dynamic balancing,
ultra high performance is achieved.
Balancing
Balance plays a critical role.
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The laser beam is reflected from the top surface to determine how to
move the counterweights. Instructions are provided with the Quark. Three inverted counterweight pockets
allow digital adjustment of weight distribution to bring the center of
gravity directly over the center of the tip. Deviations of less than a
thousandth of an inch will create visible wobble as the top slows.
Counterweights are moved to zero in on perfect balance. |
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