This Slinky Can Walk Forever!

Mark Rober

This video has been trending in India, New Zealand, Ireland, Belgium, El Salvador, Singapore, and Portugal

In the captivating video titled 'This Slinky Can Walk Forever!', viewers are taken on a remarkable journey of engineering innovation and childhood nostalgia. The creator, an ambitious engineer, sets out to conquer the challenge of achieving an infinite slinky staircase, surpassing the limitations of their childhood slinky-climbing adventures.

The video opens with the introduction of a simple slinky alongside the world's first infinite slinky staircase. Reflecting on childhood memories of trying to push slinkies down as many steps as possible, the engineer recalls their frustration at maxing out at just seven or eight steps. Determined to set an unbeatable world record, the journey to create the infinite slinky staircase begins.

Various methods are explored, starting with a tilted treadmill to replicate stairs. However, the lack of repeatability due to inclined landing surfaces prompts the engineer to experiment with an actual escalator. While this approach offers better alignment, challenges with step spacing and speed propel the team to craft a custom prototype escalator operated by a hand crank.

As the prototype evolves, the use of 3D printed self-centering cones emerges as a key solution to keep the slinky aligned on each step. These cones ensure precise positioning for the slinky to seamlessly advance to the next step. With some final adjustments and upgrading the hand crank to a motor, the team unveils the ultimate version of the infinite slinky staircase, ready to take on the challenge of breaking the childhood record.

After 48 hours of relentless climbing, the video culminates in a triumph as the slinky surpasses all expectations by conquering a staggering 208,000 stairs - a monumental feat that exceeds the engineer's childhood achievement by a remarkable 29,000 times.

Through strategic problem-solving, innovation, and a deep-rooted determination to surpass personal limits, the video 'This Slinky Can Walk Forever!' showcases the power of science and technology in turning childhood dreams into awe-inspiring realities. It serves as a testament to the boundless creativity and ingenuity that drives breakthroughs in the world of engineering and inspires future generations to push the boundaries of what is possible

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