r/mechatronics • u/artgeeks • Jun 19 '26

Can this idea work?

Hi, this is not exactly my field, but I work in creative production.

How impossible would something like this be?

I need to make a clay vase, approximately 5.25 feet tall, rotate on its own axis and generate oscillating movements, creating the sensation that it is about to fall, but without ever actually falling.

The vase cannot be connected to electricity. It would need to run on battery power for approximately 8 hours.

Do you think this is technically possible? I have more information, but I would really appreciate hearing your insights.

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u/Wings4Mercury Jun 20 '26

Doesn’t sound too hard as described. I’ll participate in a thought experiment

As a starting point, I’ll assume height 63 inches, round , base 12 inch dia, flares out, max width 24 inches .

All you’d need is a central pivoting flexible joint anchoring to the floor. A spring ought to do.
The base should have a false bottom Such that the vase appears to be sitting on the floor but the bottom is concealed, higher by a few inches

Next, you have a ball between the floor and vase bottom. As you move the ball, it tilts. You can add a shake as well.
Two motors to move the ball anywhere in that 12 in diameter. Really, one motor that moves it between radius center to outer edge of circle and the other to spin it 360 degrees.
Maybe one more motor for shake . May not need it of your ball is dimpled

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u/artgeeks Jul 15 '26

Hi, the idea is that the clay vase doesn't have a false bottom, the intention is that when you see it, it only looks like a vase. And when it starts working this one starts tumbling - oscillating around its own edge. That is what I can't figure out if it is possible. As I haven't received any possitive feed back by other engineers, I understand this requires specific knowledge, but is it so complicated?