Levitating Football Helmet Using Distributed Magnetic Targets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing levitating technologies are not well-suited for open shell-type devices, as they lack a convenient bottom or portion to align a magnet with the levitation axis, making it difficult to maintain orientation and levitate objects with voids or non-uniform structures.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple spaced-apart targets, including magnets and other ferrous materials, positioned symmetrically relative to the levitation axis, along with a combination of magnetic and electric fields, allows for the levitation of objects with voids or non-uniform structures, such as sports equipment and models, by distributing the magnetic field effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single bottom magnet is used aligned with the top target along the levitation axis, then the levitation works for completely enclosed objects like spheres, but it cannot be applied to open shell type devices without a convenient bottom portion
Solution Approach 1:
The single bottom magnet is divided into multiple spaced-apart targets (at least two, preferably three or more) distributed around the void of the open shell device. This segmentation allows the magnetic field to be effectively distributed across multiple attachment points, enabling levitation of objects without a conventional bottom surface while maintaining stable orientation along the levitation axis.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spaced apart targets are used, then objects with voids or non-uniform structures can be levitated, but the device complexity increases compared to traditional single magnet configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet configuration transitions from a one-dimensional single point (single bottom magnet) to a two-dimensional distributed arrangement (multiple spaced-apart targets around the void). This dimensional expansion allows the magnetic field to interact with objects having complex geometries, voids, and non-uniform mass distributions, enabling levitation of previously incompatible objects like open shell devices.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables the levitation of a wide range of three-dimensional objects, including those with voids or metal components, providing a stable and adjustable display that can rotate, and achieving a more realistic representation by incorporating dissimilar materials, which was previously unattainable with traditional levitating technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a base configured to levitate an object utilizing at least one of a magnetic and an electrical field
Implementation Method 2
levitate an object utilizing at least one of a magnetic and an electrical field
Data Source
AI summary
A levitating display article provides a base which supports a display spaced from first and second plates of the base in a levitating manner. The display has a first target at least a second and preferably a third target spaced apart from a levitating axis preferably opposite the article from the first target. The targets are preferably magnets and more preferably high strength magnets but could be conductive materials in other embodiments. In the preferred embodiment, helmets such as football helmets, racecar helmets, batting helmets having a void at the bottom and at least two lower targets spaced relative to the wood are provided connected to the helmet structure.