Sure, you can get a replica of Thor’s Mjölnir Hammer just about anywhere. The thing is, nearly everyone can lift the toy versions of the lightning-wielding, boomerang-esque tool, which is in direct contrast to what it is actually supposed to represent.
You see, the Mjölnir Hammer is only to be wielded by the worthy. For those deemed unworthy, which is basically everyone except Thor (and the occasional character from time to time), it should never leave the ground.
Electrical engineer Allen Pan of the YouTube channel Sufficiently Advanced sought to correct this issue by creating an electromagnetic version of the Mjölnir Hammer. Specifically, he placed within the head of the hammer a battery-powered electromagnet poached from the transformer of a microwave oven which, when exposed to an electric current provided by a pack of batteries surrounding it, generates a magnetic field.
Connected to the electromagnetic head via the handle is a capacitive touch sensor attached to an Arduino Pro Mini board and solid state relay which, altogether serves as a switching device; that is, when someone touches the handle, the device switches on and, in turn, generates a strong magnetic field.
Place the hammer on a metal surface and turn it on and the magnet attaches itself to the surface, giving the impression that it is too heavy to lift; in reality, nothing short of a construction crane will be able to separate it from the metallic surface to which it’s been applied.
The only way to turn the Hammer off is by having Pan touch the fingerprint sensor near the top of the handle, which is programmed with his fingerprint. When he grasps it and puts his thumb over the sensor, the device switches off, thereby allow Pan lift the Mjölnir Hammer.
Pan took to the streets to see how many people he could dupe into trying to lift the hammer. Have a look (and a laugh):
Via YouTube
Advertisement
Learn more about Electronic Products Magazine
