Ányos Jedlik’s 1928 model electric car did not go unnoticed among the emerging scientific fraternity. There were no cars and trucks back then. Therefore, their thoughts inclined towards modifying thunderous steam locomotives making their presence felt in Europe and America. After Vermont blacksmith Thomas Davenport made America’s first electric motor, he began dreaming of the possibility of electric streetcars next.
U.S. Patent 132 for Propelling Streetcars by Magnetism
Thomas Davenport visited the Penfield and Taft iron works at Crown Point, New York in 1833. Because he was curious to know about Joseph Henry’s electromagnets operating there. He purchased one and took it home to investigate further.
After he stripped it down and understood electromagnetism better, Thomas Davenport cast an improved iron core. Then he replaced the winding insulation with strips of silk from his wife Emily’s wedding gown. You see, Emily was an enthusiastic co-inventor, because she co-owned U.S. Patent 132 for the first American electric machine.
DATAMP confirms that Emily Davenport kept detailed notes of the work. And is moreover believed to have been “a significant contributor to the inventive process”. The design incorporated “a voltaic pile battery, an electromagnet mounted on a wheel, and another magnet on a stationary frame …
How the Davenports’ Electric Motor Worked
By now, you may be wondering what this has to do with electric streetcars. Thomas Davenport used Ányos Jedlik’s design to build a similar contraption, that followed a short rail among his other endeavors. This inspired others to start developing the first electrified public transport. This would evolve into electric cars fifty years later.
Related
The First (Model) Electric Car: Anyos Jedlik 1828
Demonstrating The Principles Of Electromagnetism
Preview Image: Application for Electric Motor U.S. Patent 132
