The Mechanics of the Atlas Gauntlets

So, what are the driving factors behind the Atlas Gauntlets? I have initiated my analysis in a previous article discussing the theoretical implications of HexTech.

The premise is that HexTech has the potential to reconfigure the fundamental laws of physics for designated objects and areas. This capability allows for the manipulation of conservation laws pertaining to both linear and angular momentum. To truly grasp how transformative this would be for Vi's combat style, we should first examine her capabilities prior to acquiring HexTech.

Even without specialized equipment, Vi can deliver a powerful punch. However, traditional physics dictates that the force she exerts will elicit an equal and opposite reaction from her target. To maximize her punching power, she must strike at vulnerable points that can absorb the impact without damaging her hands.

To enhance her striking power, Vi turns to gauntlets, like those borrowed from Vander, which offer additional mass to her punches. This extra mass allows her to deliver more forceful strikes, even if it requires more effort to reach her usual speed. The energy needed to accelerate her fist is correlated with its mass and the square of its velocity, meaning heavier gauntlets can yield greater momentum with equivalent energy expenditure.

Inertia is another key factor. The added weight of the gauntlets minimizes the movement of her fists during defensive maneuvers, while simultaneously making her attacks more difficult to counter.

The design of the gauntlets could also allow for indirect impact, meaning Vi doesn’t have to strike with full force. Instead, the force can be distributed over a longer distance and time, resulting in a smoother acceleration and deceleration process. This design would minimize the impact felt by Vi when her gauntlet strikes an opponent, provided there’s a mechanism in place to gradually slow her fist.

While this might not be explicitly shown in the series, I theorize that Vander’s gauntlets would benefit from internal springs designed to decelerate the user's hand gradually. These springs would allow for a controlled return motion, helping Vi to reposition her fists without excessive strain.

An essential feature of the gauntlets would be a locking mechanism, enabling Vi to stabilize her hands during moments of acceleration and impact. This would facilitate immediate movement without any lag caused by the springs.

The structural integrity of Vander's gauntlets also provides an advantage. They are made from more resilient materials than Vi's hands, allowing them to exert greater force while withstanding the rigors of combat.

The Atlas Gauntlets take these principles to an advanced level. They not only preserve momentum but also allow Vi to deliver significant damage without the usual drawbacks. This means she can unleash powerful strikes while minimizing the backlash typically associated with such actions.

Moreover, the gauntlets are designed to negate their own weight, allowing Vi to wield them effortlessly despite their apparent mass. This phenomenon could stem from HexTech’s capabilities to alter gravitational effects, making lifting them a seamless task.

In relation to Vi's control over momentum, this flexibility is a double-edged sword—she can harness it to her advantage, but it also poses risks. The potential for malfunction emphasizes the need for fail-safe mechanisms, which could include shock absorbers to mitigate the force of impacts.

Shock absorbers convert kinetic energy from impacts into thermal energy, dissipating it safely. A typical shock absorber utilizes a piston mechanism to achieve this. However, for greater efficiency, tunable shock absorbers could be employed, dynamically adjusting to the intensity of each impact.

The integration of such technology into Vi's gauntlets would enhance her combat capabilities, allowing for precise control over how much force is absorbed during each punch. Given the ingenuity of Jayce and Viktor, it's reasonable to assume they would have developed this technology as part of their HexTech innovations.

Additionally, the gases emitted from the gauntlets could serve multiple purposes, including cooling the shock absorbers and converting heat into electricity. This concept mirrors the mechanisms of steam engines, which efficiently convert thermal energy into kinetic energy to power machinery.

As the arcane energy propels Vi’s punches, it generates heat, vaporizing a cooling fluid and potentially driving a steam engine to generate electricity. This energy could be utilized to power various functions within the gauntlets, ensuring they operate at peak efficiency.

Finally, while the internal mechanisms of Vi's gauntlets remain a mystery, there’s a likelihood they respond to neural signals, similar to advanced prosthetics seen in the Undercity. If Jayce and Viktor applied this technology, it would revolutionize how Vi interacts with her gauntlets.

In conclusion, the Atlas Gauntlets exemplify a fascinating blend of magic and technology, showcasing themes of empowerment and personal growth within Arcane. Witnessing Vi harness their full potential has been a thrilling journey, and I eagerly await her next adventures and the mysteries yet to unfold in the upcoming season.

This video showcases the completed design of Vi's gauntlets from League of Legends, illustrating the intricate mechanics behind their function.

In this tutorial, viewers can learn how to create a cosplay version of Arcane's Vi Atlas Gauntlets, highlighting the craftsmanship involved in bringing this iconic weapon to life.

Works Cited

Linke, C., & Yee, A. (2021, November 6). Arcane: League of Legends. whole, Netflix.