Carbon Domino Clock by Carbon Design Group

http://www.carbondesign.com/projects/domino-clock
Repurposing an Icon. A borrowed form with uncommon function, the Domino Clock creates a time-keeping system that is unexpected but familiar all at once. Three larger-than-life dominoes, each equipped with a set of articulating dots, mark the passing hours and minutes of the day.


Unexpected Connections




Taking a universal numerical system and applying it outside its normal context adds a twist to standard representations of time. The system is simple: three larger-than-life dominoes, each equipped with a set of articulating dots which flip from black to white, marking the passing hours and minutes. It’s immediately recognizable, but unconventional at the same time. The first domino marks hours, the other two show minutes. The dots move silently, with a mechanical precision that is nothing short of clockwork.

Domino Clock: a timeless time-keeping system.

Like Clockwork




Each of the dominoes’ dots is equipped with a 90 degree mechanical actuator that allows it to flip from black to white and back.


Magnetic Actuator:
1. Flux Coil
2. Permanent Magnetic Field
3. Permanent Magnet
4. Back iron





The mechanical movement of each domino’s dots is achieved using a low-power, bi-stable magnetic actuator. By engergizing a coil passing through a permanent magnetic field, a force is generated about an axl. The balanced mechanism only requires power to initiate the motion. The mechanical movement of each domino’s dots is achieved using a low-power, bi-stable magnetic actuator.

Learn more about the engineering behind the Domino Clock>

Bi-Stable:The Actuator is balanced to rest in either state, black or white, only requiring power to initiate the switch between the two.