Toroflux
{{short description|Circular spring}}
{{primary sources|date=January 2019}}
The Toroflux or Torofluxus is a toy that was invented in the mid-1990s by Jochen Valett. It is a {{convert|27|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}} ribbon of steel which is woven into a torus spring. It is often sold pre-attached to a larger plastic ring. The spring flows downwards along the plastic ring, creating a shimmering effect like a silver bubble. The spring tension in the steel tightens the inner spiral core, causing it to cling to the plastic ring — just like a silver bubble.
In 2010, California-based company "Flowtoys" purchased the rights to the Toroflux and began manufacturing it as a consumer item. There are different brands who manufacture the Toroflux under a different name. It is now purchasable on multiple websites.
References
{{Cite journal |title=流动环现象的动力学分析 |url=https://lxsj.cstam.org.cn/fileLXYSJ/journal/article/lxysj/html/article/2019/1000-0879/1000-0879-41-6-649.shtml |journal=力学与实践 |language=zh |volume=41 |issue=6 |doi=10.6052/1000-0879-19-276|doi-access=free |issn=1000-0879}}
External links
- [http://danielwalsh.tumblr.com/post/20687530490/playing-with-a-flowing-torus Description of the mechanical properties of the Toroflux]
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK7XR-wlpAk A "Mathologer" video, featuring the mathematical properties of the Toroflux]
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k69xoXe8lcg YouTube video of the Toroflux with plastic ring]
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfDi89Hj0QA YouTube video of the Toroflux used as a toy]
- [https://www.flowtoys.com/toroflux/ Product website]
{{Toy-stub}}