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I came across the Flyte STORY clock recently (link) and I’m stumped as to how it works. Does anyone know how it holds the ball against gravity when it’s vertically upright?

enter image description here

I asked Physics but they closed the question immediately. Hopefully this is the right place to ask!

This article touches on the subject, but provided only speculation and no detail.

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    Sorry, I don't think this is the right place to ask, either.
    – auspicious99
    May 10, 2020 at 6:53
  • @auspicious99 Can you suggest a different forum?
    – Michael Finn
    May 10, 2020 at 7:36
  • @MichaelFinn: You can try Quora, they don't have the stringent rules of Stack Exchanges, but sometimes some questions don't get noticed.
    – hippietrail
    May 10, 2020 at 8:11
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    @hippietrail Thanks for the advice! I’ll leave this up in case a kind stranger feels like imparting wisdom, but no hard feelings if it needs to be closed.
    – Michael Finn
    May 10, 2020 at 8:30
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    Flyte uses Magnetic levitation in other products. Hence most likely it is used here, too. There is a thesis (German language) describing it (scroll to "Flyte" section)
    – Robert
    May 10, 2020 at 11:36

1 Answer 1

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Briefly:

inside the clock: enter image description here

Full manufacturing instructions:

https://www.instructables.com/Mesmerizing-Magnetic-Wall-Clock/

webarchived

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    Unfortunately this DIY project does not appear to levitate the ball, but rather holds it magnetically against the side of the clock face. I do appreciate the answer attempt almost three years later, though!
    – Michael Finn
    Jan 16 at 6:57

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