DENJIRO: Here is a replica of a matchlock. Did you know that screws are a necessity for matchlocks? Here is a model of a matchlock to show you its mechanism. When we pull the trigger, the lock gets disengaged, and the cord moves because of the spring. This ignites the flash pan.
When creating a matchlock, making this plug within the tube called the breechblock was apparently the hardest part. The breechblock is in a spiral shape like a screw, but at the time when matchlocks were brought into Japan, screws didn't exist.
Today, let's fire a cork using flash cotton, which is often used for magic tricks. Ready?
When a shot is fired through a matchlock, great force is applied to the breechblock, the end of the firing pipe. It may seem like the solution would be to secure it in place, but there is a need to clean out the gunpowder once in a while. Also, you need to be able to disassemble the parts when it misfires. Therefore, screws were chosen since they are strong against impact but can also be removed.
How were breechblocks made? The screws could easily be made by marking a piece of metal and filing them to a spiral shape. However, the threaded hole could not be made this way. So, how were they made back then? Today, we'll recreate what happened using transparent clay. First, we soften the clay using hot water and cover the screw. When we remove the screw, the threaded hole is completed. In reality, it's thought that this was done by heating up metal pipes.
Next, let's see how secure screws are. We take these two pieces of wood and fix them using a screw and a nail. Let's see what happens to each one when a person hangs from them.
The spiral shape of a screw firmly secures something. Compared to a nail, a screw fixes the two wooden pieces together with a larger surface area, so it was able to support a person with just one screw.
I hope energy will bring you all happiness. Our magic word is "Happy Energy!"
18 апр 2024
