South-pointing chariot

ID: south-pointing-chariot

The South-pointing chariot is an ancient Chinese invention known for its ability to indicate the cardinal direction of south, regardless of the orientation of the chariot itself. It consists of a wheeled vehicle mounted with a mechanism that keeps a figure or pointer always directed towards the south. The principle behind the south-pointing chariot is based on a differential gear system that allows the chariot’s pointer to rotate independently of the chariot's movement.

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