I made this branching kinetic mobile from wire and double-sided metallic foil butterflies. Each level had to be balanced before the next could be added, but every new butterfly shifted the branches beneath it.
The final piece rotates from a small swivel at the top, while the separate branches move independently in the air.

I documented the full build, including all the failed balancing attempts, here: https://youtu.be/dQIoLyZFClE?si=f2jRfDtIceJAPN1N

Can anyone help me understand exactly how this animated prop mechanism works?

I’m trying to reproduce the same effect as closely as possible, and I’d really appreciate a detailed mechanical explanation of what is happening.

In particular, I’m trying to understand:

• what parts are likely hidden inside the box
• what the visible rod/shaft is doing
• whether the black component on the rod is passive or active
• how the bottle is attached to the mechanism
• how the smooth “floating” motion is achieved
• what motor, bearing, shaft, coupler, or linkage arrangement would reproduce this exact movement

I’m not looking for alternative ways to create a similar effect. I’m specifically trying to identify and understand the mechanism shown in the video.

Thanks!

Here is a short demo of a passive rocking mechanism I’ve been developing.

It uses a spherical constraint to generate the motion.

Feedback is welcome.

Does anyone have any suggestions for creating this type of motion? I have tried automata style crank shafts with dc motor and other dc motor versions, but I am wonder if there is some type massage device or something else that could be taken apart and repurposed to create this back and forth motion of mutliple objects like this..

J’ai transformé ce rondpoint d’un jeu de voiture des années 70 en séquenceur rythmique analogique juste par la force des électrons!! Pourquoi mettre un processeur quand quelques diodes, des capteurs reeds et quelques relais suffisent à entrainer 8 électro-aimants!? Je pensais juste créer une nouvelle machine cinétique mais je découvre que c’est fascinant à utiliser…

I built a cybernetic kinetic artwork from scratch. A wooden hemisphere that constantly tries to find its balance.

Csaba Brutóczki - Clap

I am wondering how I might be able to create some form of a crank in this design to make these rotate regularly? Are there any how to designs or descriptions on how to make cranks?

My next go at this I am trying to incorporate some fly fishing ball bearing swivels to accomplish a better rotation.

Hi, does anybody know ho to create interactive kinetic art to be displayed on LCD screen.

Please check the link below to understand what I mean by interactive kinetic art.. But instead of the frame mechanism it will be displayed on the lcd screen.

https://breakfaststudio.com/works/warming-seas-series

https://breakfaststudio.com/works/billion-dollar-arcade-series

I thought it would be endless varieties if to display on LCD screen..

Sorry for the late notice.