Sofa that lets you float in the clouds

Anonymous Anonymous

#1 – 10:54 AM April 14, 2009

I don't think magnetic force means what you think it means.

Cowtown2

#2 – 11:05 AM April 14, 2009

I'm reminded of my childhood attempts to build a maglev LEGO train. Gravity is a bitch until you put in something to center the mass. Although... it would make a hell of a youtube video to see the model dumped to the floor as the cloud part falls over the edge of the magnetic field and then tries to align its north pole with the base's south.

Anonymous Anonymous

#3 – 11:07 AM April 14, 2009

I think that a certain "designer" needs to lay off the photoshop and head back to physics 101...

"Concept" pieces are all well and good; but they should stick to the realm of "might be rather tricky to fabricate, possibly even requiring new materials" rather than "will require the discovery of entirely new laws of physics"

Dave Faris

#4 – 11:16 AM April 14, 2009

Probably harder to get out of than a hammock.

Anonymous Anonymous

#5 – 11:21 AM April 14, 2009

There is a well known physics proof that you can not suspend magnets statically, so as soon as that system gets the tiniest bit out of equilibrium (translation: instantly) the magna-mattress will flip over and slam shut to the base with 150lbs of force initially but increasing quadratically as the distance closes. I'm certain there will be enough force in the end to uniformly disperse the occupant in a red ring about 18" high all around the walls of the room.

There should be a distinction between "designers" and "dreamers".

Anonymous Anonymous

#6 – 11:51 AM April 14, 2009

I can't find a link now, but a few years ago I saw in a gallery a North-Face-style puffy jacket (all the rage at the time) filled with just enough helium that it would float in place when not worn. This reminds me of that piece, except, y'know, not possible.

Anonymous Anonymous

#7 – 12:05 PM April 14, 2009

There should be a distinction between "designers" and "dreamers".

Sure there is - don't 'designers' just slap crystals all over some gadget?

Anonymous Anonymous

#8 – 12:24 PM April 14, 2009

It could be cable-stayed, but that'd probably ruin the look:

Compare:

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/gadgets/magnetic-floating-bed-oh-your-god-184990.php

TJ S

#9 – 12:39 PM April 14, 2009

@ the negative-Nancie's in the room:

There are cheap, automatic control systems for maglev around now. Just go over to thinkgeek and look at the levitating globes that can be had for

Obviously, you're dealing with a lot more weight and distance here, but that doesn't mean that it shouldn't be possible to have a dynamically controlled electromagnet built into the floor, to suspend a magnet wrapped in comfy foam/fluff/etc with a person on top.

It would likely have to be an expensive, high-end installation process, something only the uber-rich would have in their homes, but that doesn't mean it's impossible.

Anonymous Anonymous

#10 – 12:59 PM April 14, 2009

Don't try this at home with a pacemaker...

Moriarty

#11 – 1:48 PM April 14, 2009

I have a concept design that uses magnetic force to create a limitless waterfall of beer. Haven't worked out the details yet, but the photoshopped concept art looks delicious!

slugabed

#12 – 2:10 PM April 14, 2009

"I don't know what happened, I just set my ipod down on the sofa here and now it won't play music anymore"

Anonymous Anonymous

#13 – 2:36 PM April 14, 2009

"Sitting on an American Levitation couch is harder than standing up in a birchbark canoe,"
said Fern dryly. "Throw yourself into one of these so-called chairs, and it will bounce you off the
wall like a stone out of a slingshot. Sit on the edge of your desk, and it will waltz you around the
room like a Wright brother at Kitty Hawk."
Constant touched his desk ever so lightly. It shuddered nervously.
"Well — they still haven't got all of the bugs out of it, that's all," said Constant.

-The Sirens of Titan

DeWynken

#14 – 2:41 PM April 14, 2009

Ah..another magnetic couch for banging porn stars on!

HeatherB

#15 – 3:42 PM April 14, 2009

I thought about breaking the plane window as well Lisa.

echolocate chocolate

#16 – 4:14 PM April 14, 2009

This would be a lot more practical if they just used magic instead of magnets.

jimkirk

#17 – 8:44 PM April 14, 2009

http://www.magnetsales.com/Design/Calc_filles/PullAndPushBetween2RectMagnets.asp has a calculator or the repulsive or attractive force between two rectangular magnets.

I estimate the size of magnet in the picture as about 18 by 36 inches and three inches thick.

Using a Neodymium 48 magnet (13,800 Gauss), this would be a dangerously powerful magnet (a couple of 1 cubic inch magnet can break bones).

At a distance of 24 inches the repulsive force is about 40 pounds. Hardly enough to levitate the 540 pounds of magnet.

Looks like you could levitate about 9 inches with a person and upholstery. That's pretty impressive, but a scary amount of magnet to be near.

dculberson

#18 – 8:58 AM April 15, 2009

They're using Hotdymium 69 which has an enormous attractive force - but it's turned around backwards allowing it to levitate. Unfortunately there are side effects including burning when you pee and sores around your mouth.

johnhuff

#19 – 8:41 PM April 15, 2009

The comments above are some of the wittiest, most intelligent ones I have ever seen on a blog. This site must be a magnet for smart people.

BTW, if you want to see the original, patented and trademarked Floating Bed, go to http://www.floatingbed.com/

It is real, available now, and many people have them and rave enthusiastically about them. It is the most comfortable thing in the world to lie down on. It is a high end bed, but it does not cost an arm and a leg (which might literally be the unfortunate case with the above design).
Cheers!

Anonymous Anonymous

#20 – 1:10 PM August 2, 2009

It is possible. But i dont think anyone is smart enough to accomplish it for atleast seven and a half million years.

Cheers

ps. visit Iceland whilst its still cheap

or ill punch you in the gut

Xavi

#21 – 9:11 AM August 13, 2009

I don't understand it!! It is done with Photoshop. I'm sure.

jimhsu

#22 – 11:12 PM August 28, 2009

"There is a well known physics proof that you can not suspend magnets statically, so as soon as that system gets the tiniest bit out of equilibrium (translation: instantly) the magna-mattress will flip over and slam shut to the base with 150lbs of force initially but increasing quadratically as the distance closes."

Unless if the magnet is rotating. Though they might be ... inconvenient to the user.

OLGA

#23 – 4:47 PM September 10, 2009

I WANT IT!!I DONT CARE HOW IT WORKS!!!BUT IT IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

soybees

#24 – 1:04 AM October 27, 2009

it can be more cable-stayed.

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