Cheap Mechanical Device for Intermittent Motion

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for a cheap mechanical device capable of achieving specific intermittent or discrete motion along a shaft. Participants explore various mechanisms and applications related to this type of motion, including rotation and linear movement.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the type of motion required, suggesting possibilities like a crawling motion and asking about the shaft's surface characteristics.
  • Another participant recalls a linear motor mechanism that could move along a smooth shaft using two gripper mechanisms and an extension capability, though the specific application is unclear.
  • A suggestion is made for a cam/roller setup as a potential solution.
  • One participant describes their goal of rotating a shaft 60 degrees every 30 seconds and mentions investigating a toothed gear/ratchet powered by a linear solenoid actuator, seeking feedback on this approach.
  • A clarification is made regarding the intended motion, correcting an earlier ambiguity in the original post.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the type of motion being discussed, with some focusing on linear motion and others on rotational motion. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to achieve the desired intermittent motion.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the details provided about the specific requirements for the motion, such as speed and surface characteristics of the shaft, which may affect the proposed solutions.

Seraph042
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Does anyone know of a cheap mechanical device which is able to achieve specific intermittent / discrete motion along a shaft?
 
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Seraph042 said:
Does anyone know of a cheap mechanical device which is able to achieve specific intermittent / discrete motion along a shaft?

What kind of motion? Like a crawling motion? How fast? can the shaft have threads, or does it need to be smooth?

I remember a linear motor mechanism that I read about once that could move on a smooth shaft because it had two gripper mechanisms (one at each end), and an extension capability in the middle. I forget what the application was, though.
 
Last edited:
I'm trying to rotate a shaft 60 degrees every 30 seconds; right now I'm looking into some sort of toothed gear / ratchet powered by a linear solenoid actuator... I'm still working on figuring out the details but it could work.

do you guys agree with that or should I be looking at something else ??
 
Seraph042 said:
...intermittent / discrete motion along a shaft...

... rotate a shaft 60 degrees every 30 seconds...
Which is it?
 
Sorry, I meant to say the latter in the original post (I can't update it for some reason)
 

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