Converting Rotational Motion to Pendulum-Like Oscillation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around creating a mechanism that converts rotational motion into a pendulum-like oscillation without relying on gravity. Participants explore various design approaches and mechanisms that could achieve this motion efficiently for a specific application.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a mechanism that allows a motor to create a back-and-forth motion with 180 degrees of rotation, emphasizing the need for speed and minimal torque loss.
  • Another participant suggests that there are multiple ways to convert back-and-forth motion into circular motion, implying that the reverse is also possible.
  • A request for specific examples or references is made, highlighting uncertainty about achieving the desired rotational motion.
  • A participant describes a potential design involving a peg on a rotating wheel fitting into a groove on a rod, which could create a back-and-forth swinging motion, but notes it may not achieve the full 180 degrees.
  • The same participant clarifies that the proposed mechanism is not a traditional pendulum but rather a motor-driven rod that oscillates.
  • There is a distinction made between the desired mechanism and a free-swinging pendulum driven by a motor, indicating different design requirements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a specific design or solution. There are competing views on how to achieve the desired motion, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants express limitations in their existing knowledge and seek further examples or references. The discussion includes assumptions about the feasibility of various mechanisms and the specific requirements of the application.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in mechanical design, robotics, or those working on projects involving oscillatory motion may find this discussion relevant.

bobthebloh
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Hello,

I am trying to create a mechanism that will allow for a motor to power a pendulum-like motion (but not an actual pendulum), back and forth. As shown in the picture, I need 180 degrees of rotation about the swinging part. I have researched escapement, but I need this design not to rely on gravity and to move much faster than I imagine the anchor escapement works. Ideally, such a mechanism would minimize the loss of torque on the output gear, so that I can use this oscillating motion to accomplish other tasks in my application.

I would appreciate any help you can provide!
 

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There are lots of ways to do this - you know how to turn back-and-forth motion into circular motion ... this is just going the other way.
 
Simon Bridge said:
There are lots of ways to do this - you know how to turn back-and-forth motion into circular motion ... this is just going the other way.
Could you please provide an example?

I'm not sure if it's clear in my drawing, but the green part is intended to rotate, not slide linearly. I could easily come up with mechanisms that convert linear to rotational or vice versa, but my problem is achieving a back-and-forth rotational motion to power another mechanism.

I would really appreciate an example name or reference site! Thank you!
 
A reciprocating motor turns back-and-forth motion into rotating motion.

Now: none of us are going to present you with a design - this is what you pay engineers for.
What we can do is attempt to match your existing knowledge with a direction for you to do your own research, maybe some trial and error.

Imagine your green wheel has a peg sticking out of it ... that peg can fit into a groove in a rod. If one end of the rod is fixed to a pivot, then, as the wheel turns, the rod is forces to swing back and forth.

This won't give you the full 180 ... but you can put a section of toothed gear on the swinging end and use that to drive another cog that your pendulum arm is fixed to.

This is not actually a pendulum - it is a motor that waves a rod back and forth.
If you prefer to have a free swinging pendulum that can be driven by a motor, that is a different design.
 

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