Stabilizer Base

Let's explore the refinement of the stabilzer and stabilizer base!

The above image shows a section view of the stabilizer in the most extreme angle. We needed to develop a system that allowed the stabilizer to have rotational freedom about the x, y, and z axes while remaining positionally constrained. The design employs a smooth spherical surface on the bottom of the stabilizer, machined out of wood, which rolls on network of ball bearings. The diameter of the stabilizer is 6 feet, allowing up to 5 users to simultaneously experience indescribable joy. The spherical surface of the stabilizer has a 4.5 ft radius, allowing the guidance beam to have a 9 foot diameter range of movement on the ceiling of the room.

How does it work?

The stabilizer base consists of 16 ball transfers, sourced from McMaster Carr. Each has a capacity of 130 pounds, providing a total capacity of 2080 lbs. Affording for the possibility that the starting 5 of the local basketball team, each carrying an average of 200 pounds, want to play, we will still have a comfortable 2X factor of safety and a buttery smooth rider experience. The omnidirectional bearings allow the stabilizer to be self righting. When users approach the stabilizer, it is in a level state. When one user steps on the stabilizer, it becomes unstable and leans over. To return it to a level state, it requires the partner users to also stand on the stabilizer. By coordinating their weight placement, they can maneuver the stabilizer to target the required stars. To limit the angle of the stabilizer from becoming too extreme, a lip around the top perimeter of the stabilizer makes contact with a raised surface on the outer perimeter of the base.