Most clocks either sweep hands around a dial or flash numbers on a screen. OVODYO, however, offers a fresh approach, telling time with two rolling, dice-like icosahedrons that physically tumble into place every few minutes, driven by an inventive timing mechanism. This clock is a small mechanical performance, offering much more than a mere glance at the wall.
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Each ball is a 12-sided icosahedron, with one displaying the hours and the other the minutes. The hour ball bears all 12 hour marks, while its companion shows 5-minute intervals. Together, they display any time of day through the face that lands on top.
Designer: ekaggrat singh kalsi
Mechanical Magic Made Real Through a Clever System
Achieving the precise positioning of these faces required more than just a simple motor and timer. A differential mechanism drives each ball forward in fixed increments, allowing it to tumble and reveal the correct face. This intricate system makes the precision of this movement feel almost magical.
Under the Hood: Electronics and Innovations
Behind the tumbling icosahedrons is a modest yet effective set of electronics. An ATmega8 chip manages the control logic, with DRV8833 driver boards propelling the stepper motors. This precise setup includes three Hall effect sensors that closely monitor motor position, ensuring each ball stops turning at precisely the right moment.
The clock’s mechanics were not without their challenges. Fine-tuning the device faced hurdles such as rough surfaces and friction, which initially hindered the motors’ ability to rotate the balls. Bearings added to the shafts significantly smoothed out the motion, allowing the motors to function effectively.
From Prototype to Polish
The project didn’t stop at just getting the mechanism to work. An early working model, housed in a simple base, prompted a redesign of the enclosure to make it suitable for display. Refining the base as a separate design issue ensured that OVODYO not only works brilliantly but also looks striking in any living room.
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This methodical approach captures what makes OVODYO remarkable. Its mechanical ingenuity ensures that mechanics must function flawlessly before aesthetics come into play. Watching this clock with its tumbling dice reveal the precise hour makes one wonder if this isn’t exactly how clocks should have always worked.
Source: yankodesign.com
Frequently asked questions
How does the OVODYO clock tell time?
The OVODYO clock tells time with two rolling, dice-like icosahedrons that physically tumble into place every few minutes, using an inventive timing mechanism. One icosahedron displays the hours while the other shows 5-minute intervals, making any time of day visible through the top face.
What controls the movement of the icosahedrons in the OVODYO clock?
The movement of the icosahedrons is controlled by a differential mechanism driving each ball forward in fixed increments. This system uses an ATmega8 chip, DRV8833 driver boards, and three Hall effect sensors that closely monitor motor position to ensure precise stopping.
What challenges were faced in developing the OVODYO clock mechanism?
Challenges in developing the OVODYO clock included dealing with rough surfaces and friction that initially hindered the motors’ ability to rotate the balls. Bearings added to the shafts significantly smoothed out the motion, enabling effective motor function.