Circuit that reverses the flow of current to a motor

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around designing a circuit for a small car that reverses the flow of current to a motor when it hits a wall. Participants explore the necessary components and configurations for achieving this functionality, including the use of an H-bridge and potential storage elements for controlling the motor's direction.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks assistance with connecting components for a circuit that reverses motor direction upon collision.
  • Another participant questions the definition of "small car" and the rationale behind the component selection without a schematic diagram.
  • A suggestion is made that a storage element, such as a latch or flip-flop, may be necessary to prevent the car from moving forward again after reversing.
  • There is a discussion about using a locking button switch as an alternative to a latch, with a note on the complexity it introduces.
  • Further inquiries are made regarding the specifics of the components, including part numbers, motor voltage, and the mechanism for detecting a wall collision.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the circuit design, with no consensus reached on the best approach or the necessity of certain components. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal configuration and component choices.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include a lack of clarity on the specific requirements for the circuit, the absence of a schematic diagram, and unresolved questions about the car's collision detection mechanism.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in robotics, circuit design, or hobbyist electronics may find this discussion relevant.

Beembo
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Hello, I am building a small car that upon hitting a wall will go backwards, in other words reverse the current flow. I have all the components requiered (resistors 3k and 1k, wires, 6V battery, and an H-bridge, locking button) only thing I do not know is how to connect them all together. If anyone could provide a diagram I would be more than thankful!
 
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What's does "small car" mean? Both a Toyota Corolla and a toy matchbox are small cars.Where did you get a list of components, but not the schematic diagram? That makes no sense.
 
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I believe your circuit will need a "storage element" (aka A "Latch", "Flip-Flop" or "bi-stable"). Otherwise when it backs away from the wall and the switch is released it will go forwards into the wall again. It needs to "remember" if it's in forward or reverse.

So I would use a circuit with two switches (one for the front of the car and one for the back) and a latch something like this...

Auto reverse.jpg


Be careful how you connect the output to the bridge. Think about what happens if both buttons are pressed by accident. You don't want both sides of the bridge turning on and shorting out the power supply (even momentarily).
 
Ah I see you mention a locking button. If you mean a push button switch that stays in when pressed then that could be used instead of a latch but a latch would make it more interesting.
 
Beembo said:
I have all the components requiered
Do you have a circuit diagram or a link to an article on the subject?
How did you decide what components to buy?
Can you give us a list of part numbers and quantity for the electronic components you have?
I assume your car has an electric motor. What voltage is the motor?
How does the car detect when it hits a wall?
 

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