How to make a magnet (ball or disc) rolling a long distance, simple device.

[bikelight]

Hi

Thanks for everone and suggestions. 

1.  I cannot tell where is a pole of the magnet when magnet is rolling.  If it is a ball magnet,  it will self-spinning (right or left turning all working.)

2.  To make it continues rolling, the main problem is how to release  the last big metal piece from the magnet and let the magnet starts a new round. 

3.  I am thinking about to test the system using a super-conduct coil (as a super powered magnet ball).  If a magnet's force is very stronge,  the narrow triangle sheet can be extended very long,  for example 100 meters or more.  then it can be used to push object from A to B.  But I do not have the equipment to do this test.

I also attached another picture of possible shape of the narrow triangle sheet.

[SoManyWires]

Hi

Thanks for everone and suggestions. 

1.  I cannot tell where is a pole of the magnet when magnet is rolling.  If it is a ball magnet,  it will self-spinning (right or left turning all working.)

2.  To make it continues rolling, the main problem is how to release  the last big metal piece from the magnet and let the magnet starts a new round. 

3.  I am thinking about to test the system using a super-conduct coil (as a super powered magnet ball).  If a magnet's force is very stronge,  the narrow triangle sheet can be extended very long,  for example 100 meters or more.  then it can be used to push object from A to B.  But I do not have the equipment to do this test.

I also attached another picture of possible shape of the narrow triangle sheet.

that is very interesting.

the magnet running off towards a greater metal surface area.

ya, that is a good idea seeing how long of distance can be achieved for the magnet to travel.
maybe the difference in the ramps diameter can be as gradient as possible to run a distance of 100 meters
though that does seem like its asking alot, could it do 2 meters?

the metal ramp also should be as flat as possible especially at the starting point,
if you have a laser pointer and a level,
or just roll a bearing on the floor to find out how correct to being a flat level surface there is to work with before fixing the ramp into place for testing.
also the other good suggestion mentioned above by someone else,
with the overlapping ramps, being that the greater metal surface tapers off in place of the next oncoming ramp with the magnet kept on a proper flat surface above the ramps.

congrats on the cool contact free bicycle lighting system too!

all the best

[Pirate88179]

Well, I tried out my neo spheres on a pair of large tweezers, which was the only metal shaped as required available and...
the spheres jump right on up to the wide part...traveling about 3" in my case and also, spinning as it moves just like in his video.

I think I understand why it moves toward the thicker/wider metal but, I have no explanation for why the neo spheres spin like they do?
I suppose I could mark the pole orientation on my spheres and try launching them facing differently at the start and see if they still always spin?

This is a lot of fun to watch while experimenting.  So simple yet...something very complex is happening here I am sure.

Bill

[bikelight]

yes,  I also hop expert in this field can explain why the ball magnet is self-spinning ans sametime rollling towards wide end.

[Nink]

https://youtu.be/zqG-TL0WnjE?t=49