Question

CONCEPTUAL: What equations must be taken into consideration, concerning a Rube Goldberg machine that must fire a ball bearing?

Answer 1

Just maximize the complexity of the solution to absurd levels and you will have a Rube Goldberg machine

https://www.pinterest.com/jcisneum/rube-goldberg-machine/

Answer 2

@kittiwitti1 ...

Answer 3

@bugman954 If I read this correctly, then every equation possible seems to be the answer ? This reminds me of some imaginary machines I've seen before, such as complex linkages to make a cup of tea or to get a newspaper to an inventor whilst they are lying in bed. I've always thought that they are poking fun ?
And why does "Rube Goldberg" remind me of "Rubik's cube" ?

Answer 4

@osprey Rube Goldberg was the original creator of these cartoons. Now there are many imitators honoring his works.

Answer 5

@bugman954 they sort of remind me of some paintings that I've seen from Dutch artists, such as he never ending staircase. I don't know what the relevant dates are, nor if there's any connection.
I wonder if Rube G is any relation to Whoopee G (prob not).

Answer 6

@bugman954 Why the ellipse? I was not online during those times. I don't know why you felt the need to comment that.

Thank you for your helpful input, however.

Answer 7

@kittiwitti1not meaning to offend, I was thinking this was a new question, after answering I noticed how long the question was dormant. I did not add your name to the answer provided so I was not sure if the system would notify you without it.

FYI: I have been ending my communications with the ellipses in software and emails I have written since the 80s it is an old habit and means to be continued in my lexicon. In software I used it after leaving memory (think DOS or LINUX terminal) I would always clear the screen then post a short message and end with Bye...

Answer 8

@osprey I imagine you are speaking of M.C. Escher
http://www.mcescher.com/gallery/impossible-constructions/
He has always been one of the most thought-provoking visual artists in my life.

Answer 9

@bugman954 Ah, I see. I apologize if I came off as offended, then... I was honestly more curious as to why you'd posted that.
Thank you for explaining! :)

Answer 10

Short of hauling out my copy of EH Gombrich's "The Story of Art", Phaidon press, I don't know about Escher. Mind you, some of the paintings/drawing of "impossible staircases" which seem to play on perspective, I find mesmerising, and mesmerisingly funny. A bit, in fact, like seeing cricketer @IrishBoy123 Mike Gatting's response/dismissal to/by a ball from Aus cricketer Shane Warne.