Throwing around an idea
Throwing around an idea
(OP)
I just got the idea last night when looking at K&J magnetics' website; i want to make a pogo stick for my son that uses the 3" ring magnet that they have instead of a spring. Does anyone think this is possible? I would make most of the stick out of plastic, but would it be possibe to use any metal when dealing with magnets this size and strength?
thanks for your thoughts, Blue
thanks for your thoughts, Blue





RE: Throwing around an idea
If you used three magnets you could put the bottom two held close in repulsion, then some kind of switch, lever arrangement to release the middle one and give you extra travel.
I'd say a small prototype would be in order first.
RE: Throwing around an idea
In addition, I'd be very careful of the play area, I wouldn't want some stray iron or steel part to suddenly attract to the pogo stick.
Sorry, didn't mean to "rain on your parade"
RE: Throwing around an idea
Thanks for all the help guys!
RE: Throwing around an idea
Another issue is debris. For the pogo stick to work, you're going to have to have some sliding fits, etc. in your mechanism. Unless you use it inside in a clean gym or warehouse, magnets that strong will pick up all manner of dirt, gravel, etc that has any iron content at all. It'll gum up the works and be nearly impossible to clean.
On the upside, I really don't see any issues/difficulties with assembly, as long as you're careful not to get the magnets too close to each other or any other ferrous item during pre-assembly handling. Once they're slid onto the shaft opposing one another, they can't spin around to attract and slam together. You would want to put them on last, though, since working around them with steel tools could literally be a pain if you're not super-careful.
RE: Throwing around an idea
http://www.bpmlegal.com/wpogo.html