For making a levitation base that can support the weight of a beer bottle, there are several constraints that I am running into.
1. I have to find a way to spin a magnet quite quickly in order to have a stable magnetic field so that the magnet that I can get to levitate doesn’t just fall off to the side. I’ve tried Arduino motors, but that is not looking like a viable option. More research is required here.
2. The magnets I have been using to make this are quite weak, I need strong (expensive) magnets in order to generate any noticeable distance between the magnet and the base.
3. I do not have an aesthetic I want to design towards yet, so that is still up in the air.
4. Since the distance between the base and the floating magnet will be small, the top of my design needs to be flat more or less. This is something I need to take into consideration when I’m designing towards an aesthetic.
5. I am not trying to spend a lot of money on this, so money is actually a very real constraint. The magnets are pricey, so I’m probably just going to account for this by 3D printing the case for this as it is a cheap rapid prototyping technique.
If you have any suggestions for me as to how to overcome one of these constraints, please comment.
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This is an awesome project idea! Have you looked into using an old CD or DVD disc drive to rotate your magnets rapidly? Either one would be inexpensive at any used electronics store and you could tailor it to your own needs. Then I would recommend pinning down your intended aesthetic before you get too much further. Perhaps something of a futuristic/space-age aesthetic since your project of a levitating beer bottle coaster (or however big it ends up being) will seem like a futuristic deal to your friends and family. Either way, I can’t wait to see how this one turns out. Good luck!
I can’t wait to see the execution of this project. I would first solidify what object you would like to levitate and design your aesthetic based on the object you have chosen. Perhaps take a look at different floating objects: planets, clouds, butterflies, jets or focus on something that looks cool as it is viewed from different directions. Also, I believe your constraint number 3 to be unintentionally punny – “up in the air” – thanks for the laugh. 🙂