DAB's Clocks is a collection of hand made, one of a kind devices that each display time in unconventional and interesting ways. These time pieces are both functionally and aesthetically pleasing. I design and build some of my clocks without any assistance. For others I've collaborated with Guy Marsden and relied upon him for all the engineering and fabrication. In these situations I'll typically build a mock up to confirm feasibility and essential design features. Through an iterative process with Guy I'll ultimately create a 3D representation that Guy will reference during the build.
Cube Prototype
Design
Throughout the design phase I have remained focused on the need to address several components of risk, e.g., costs associate with R&D, clock materials, CAD design, manufacturing and assembly. We already know that Cevat's modification to the software is sufficient for creating the required movement of the sphere. What is left to do is add a clock function and a WRGB LED source that offers the user several lighting options. As well, the simplicity of the rectilinear form will reduce cost for CAD design and provide options to produce a clock priced over a wide range, from $150 to $500 or more, depending upon the materials used to make the case. Additional pricing flexibility will be gained if, like the MagLev System, the Z Clock is sold as a kit.
The rectangular cuboid (5” W x 6.5 H”, or 5" W x 24" H, on each side, with a 3” diameter hole on three faces) is designed to be both pleasing to the eye and functional in design. Its simplicity and symmetry do not “compete” with one of the key guiding principles of the design- to emphasize, and not distract from, the levitation experience. Thus, with its large, multiple circular openings the case provides a viewing chamber that highlights the experience of the free-floating sphere magnet. The case protects the levitating magnet from air currents (e.g., ceiling fans) that create instability. If necessary, the two side openings could be covered with optical quality transparent plastic to further reduce air disturbance around the magnet. The lower portion of the case is intended to house all electronic components, except for the electromagnet and Hall sensor. Wires connecting the microprocessor to the electromagnetic/sensor will be hidden within the design of the case. Controls will be placed on the outside of the rear panel to allow for all adjustments and user selections. In the prototype the electromagnetic is installed so that the bottom is flush with the inside top of the chamber. In this configuration, since the gap distance cannot be further increased, the sphere hovers above the midpoint of the 3” circular opening. If desired the sphere can be repositioned towards the center by lowering the electromagnet (e.g., concealing it inside an opaque, white cylinder) into the body of the levitation chamber. Ultimately it will be necessary to address some minor issues, e.g., the need to level the case and/or the electromagnet in order to get ideal performance and a way to catch the sphere when it falls out of the influence of the electromagnet.
Placing the sphere in the magnetic field can be problematic without some assistance. For this reason, I developed a positioning “tool” that makes this an easy matter (I have included this in the package). The use of this positioning tool is demonstrated in the instructional video.
Installing The Sphere
While the prototype is constructed from solid pine the material used in the final design remains to be determined. Perhaps a high-quality plastic, with an applied veneer (e.g., faux stone, wood or metal), may be a suitable replacement for real wood, if we elect to target a lower price point [Note: for my own personal use clocks I intend to make more expensive cases from solid hardwoods (e.g., cherry or walnut) and textured, anodized aluminum that is subsequently dyed].
The case is amenable to simple modifications that create design options for Zeltom, e.g., increase case height if Z Clock is to be used on a table rather than a high mantel shelf; addition of a base and/or top element to create a more intricate case.
Time Keeping: A Novel, Relaxing and Compelling Visual Experience
The hour will be constantly displayed by “continuous” pulsing of the levitating sphere. [Note: the sphere, rather than the disc magnet, was chosen because it doesn’t show any tilt in the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet]. A frequency of 0.5 Hz was selected to provide acceptable stability to the levitating magnet while minimizing the time required to count out the hour. A sine wave is used to further enhance stability of the magnet and aid in the counting process. A pause (currently four seconds) is placed between cycles so the user knows when to begin the counting the hour.
Further resolution of time can be achieved by illuminating the entire levitation chamber with a WRGB LED light source that will eventually be controlled by the microprocessor (In the package I have included an *LED puck light with a remote control. See instructions, below). Following are two examples that are in keeping with Z Clock’s focus on presenting time in an inexact manner, analogous to a sun dial:
1. Time to the Nearest 15 Minutes
Represented by assigning a single color to each of the four 15 minute periods contained within an hour. For example, the chamber would be illuminated white from 12:00 to 12:14, blue from 12:15 to 12:29, red from 12:30 to 12:44, green from 12:45 to 12:59, repeat color cycle starting at 1:00.
2. Time Along a Continuum
A progression of changing wavelengths of light that allows the viewer to estimate the minutes after the hour. Thus, as shown below, as time progress from 12:00 through 12:59 the color could change, in subtle and discrete steps, through different portions of the visible light spectrum.
An interesting example of this approach is demonstrated by The Present Clock where the hand takes an entire year to complete a full circle around the clock face. In this way the clock displays which season you are in, e.g., pure green means spring.
Light for the Enhancement of the Visual Experience
An illuminated levitation chamber provides additional functionality by creating ambience in a room and serving as a night-light. The same light source used to provide an estimate of time between the hours can also be used to provide limitless options. Two possibilities are: 1) user-selectable, constant color, and 2) a continuously changing “flow” of color that is in harmony with the frequency of the pulsating magnet.
*Instructions for LED Puck Light
The light can be turned on in two ways: pushing down on the top lens until it clicks or with the remote control. The “Auto” mode cycles through colors with a choice of two speeds: rapid cycling is set by turning the system on with the remote control and then selecting “Auto” while slow cycling is set by pushing on the light and then selecting “Auto”. Once the light is turned on you can go immediately to one of the three programmed colors (red, blue and green) by holding down on the respective color button for approximately 2 seconds. Once a color is selected you can then move incrementally between the colors with repeated short clicks of the R, B and G buttons. Holding the programmed color buttons down for 2 seconds will always return you to that color.
