Possible (good) modification

[user]

To avoid indentations in the plastic casing why don't you simply adhere two metal rings where the ends of the gyro touch the case? Where the "lip" of the case goes all the way around (where the dents form) there would be a metal ring on both sides. The "lip" surface would then be metal. That way when it is dropped (as it inevitably will be) it won't dent the plastic. This seems like a simple enough modification to save a lot of headache. This will of course make the metal ends of the rotor rotate on metal instead of the plastic case. Maybe that's an issue. Anyway, think about it. Might save a lot of repair headaches.

Michael

[user]

hmmm the company that make these seems like the good kind. (whats the company called anyway?) but otherwise id sujest the everlasting lightbulb scenario (everlasting lightbulbs are possible but making them would make the entire lightbulb industry close to redundent)

me

[user]

Somehow I don't think the reason has anything to do with the company putting itself out of business by making an indestructible Powerball. Have you checked out their lifetime guarantee? Rory and his colleagues are probably spending a great deal more by keeping up this level of service than if they simply brought one out that could not be damaged and would be along with cockroaches, the only things to survive a nuclear holocaust! I'm sure that they have investigated every conceivable production method and found that the current one has the best ergonomics and performance. Having said that, take a look at the post on the Metal Powerball. Perhaps that incorporates the suggestion above?

Ross

[user]

The metal rings may seem like a good idea, but would probably reduce the great exercise properties of the ball, as the force created when spinning the gyro, combined with the friction created within the shell, is what provides the 'workout'. Thanks for the suggestions though, all are appreciated.
Powerball....Absolutely Revolutionary!!

Paul

[user]

Unfortunately metal rings would prevent the ball from working at all. The ball works based on friction between the axle ends and the rings they roll on.
With metal rings, it would slip instead of accellerating when you rotate it.

Nick Wimpney

[user]

I think you misunderstood...the metal ring could go outside of the plastic casing. The powerball would still work and the casing would be better protected.

Will

[user]

I think you misunderstood, Will. The originator of this post implied that it would be good to add two rings to the inner groove, and said that this would mean the rotor axle would be rotating on metal instead of plastic.

Yes, there would be more slippage, but I think it would still accelerate. However, even the Metal Powerballs on the market have plastic lining inside a metal frame, so metal on metal might not work I guess.

Tim.

[user]

I think the main problem with metal on metal is that it would create an enormous amount of heat. That is why we have engine oil for our cars, so the metal parts don't burn up. We all know that you cannot oil a powerball, so metal on metal just isn't a good idea.

Brian M

[user]

And another possible explanation is that metal on metal at thousands of RPM would probably create a lot of electromagnetic interference that would interfere with electronic devices...

I don't know exactly about all the laws with such things, but it may require further checks to be sold.

Calculon

[user]

powerball power. I wounder if it would be possible to use a powerball to charge my phone etc..? i dont really know how dynamo/inductors work so the spinning of the axis may make a power feed on the casing side of the ball difficult to engineer but hey.. i bet the powerball as is wasn't easy.

eloo