Da Vinci's Mechanical Inventions

Da Vinci put a great deal of effort and creative thinking into all the features of the modern bicycle, almost 400 years before it was invented. His study of chains appears on folio 10r of the Codex Madrid I, where he sets out several solutions.

This device attempts to harness wind power to enable humans to fly. The person would move the wing using ropes, either to continue flying or to descend.  

This system makes it possible to raise water above the level of a tank. It consists of three discrete tanks, separated by plugs and tubes. It works by filling the first (upper) water tank and removing the plug that connects it to the second (lower) tank, which is filled with air.

Da Vinci reveals an interesting way of ensuring that it is impossible to steal doors while they are open.  

This rectifier uses the energy from falling water to move the turbine, which in turn moves the other wheels. As they turn at speed against the surface that is being smoothed, they erode the material.

This instrument is a press whose main function is to shape crayons. The material is placed between two clay blocks and formed when pressure is applied to it.

Da Vinci designed this instrument for producing medals using a striking technique that involves a wooden mallet.  

Da Vinci compared a four-wheeled cart with a two-wheeled one, reaching the conclusion that the four-wheeled version would not easily be able to turn sideways without breaking the front wheels, unless they were articulated. The two-wheeled cart can very easily be turned from right to left.