Is it possible to make a 6 x 6 x 6 puzzle with the Magic Attractor?

And

Is it possible using the Magic Attractor to make a 3 x 3 x 3 Cube in a bottle ?


http://nytimes.abuzz.com/interaction/s.252689/discussion/e/8.70602/

I can't imagine that this would actually work, due to size constraints, but this is the only way I can see that a magnetic mechanism might function...

One would need 6 magnets inside each cubie. They would have to be attached inside so that they were capable of flipping over, thereby reversing their polarity. Whenever 2 free-rotating magnets are brought together, they will align themselves to that they attract automatically.

Of course, you'd never get strong enough magnets inside of cubies in a Rubik's cube, and they would interfere with each other.

Ben

It would probably be easier just to use a very powerful magnet inside and make the pieces from ferrous metal or at least embed that metal inside the appropriate corners/edges of the pieces. Maybe anchor the face center cubies to the central magnet for rotating stability. voila. A magnet based cube.

But impractical. Gimmie a standard plastic with metal screws and springs puzzle any day.

What about cutting up fridge magnets and sticking them to the faces instead of using block magnets. Orientation would need to be planned out. Haven't though too hard about this one yet. But does seem like a good idea.

Using magnets as the mechanism for any type of twisty puzzle would be extremely impractical. You'd end up with a puzzle that would fall apart in your hands - and heaven forbid if you drop it!

Ben

I ran across this; vaguely on-topic.

http://www.clowder.net/zubek/zubek.html