How can car window motors be used to create an actuated valve?

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    Building Valve
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design and implementation of an actuated valve using car window motors, specifically for agricultural irrigation purposes. Participants explore various aspects of the design, including the type of valve, motor attachment methods, and limit switch options.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes building an actuated valve using car window motors to reduce costs compared to commercially available options.
  • Another participant questions the type of substance the valve will control, suggesting that this will influence the design and materials needed for seals.
  • It is clarified that the valve is intended for agricultural irrigation, which may not require high precision or chemical resistance.
  • A participant suggests using limit switches to determine when the valve is fully open or closed, emphasizing the importance of the motor's attachment method.
  • There is discussion about various methods of attaching the motor to the valve, including lead-screws, gear trains, and direct attachment to a lever.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the best type of limit switch to use, indicating a novice level of engineering knowledge.
  • Another participant recommends using momentary pushbutton switches for limit switches, depending on the physical setup of the valve and motor.
  • There is a humorous exchange regarding the repeated mention of limit switches, highlighting the collaborative nature of the discussion.
  • Finally, a participant suggests that simple limit switches can be found at local hardware stores, indicating accessibility for the project.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for limit switches and the basic concept of using a car window motor for the valve. However, there are differing opinions on the best method for motor attachment and the specific type of limit switch to use, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved in these areas.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the specifics of the motor attachment method or the optimal limit switch type, leaving these as open questions for further exploration.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in DIY engineering projects, particularly those focused on creating automated systems for irrigation or similar applications.

bal_jop
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I was looking at 2 inch actuated valves. In the Indian market they cost around 12,000 rupees(~$220). I have a couple of car window control motors. I was thinking of building a valve with it.

I would appreciate your thoughts on some simple design.
 
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Valves for what substance? Water... methanol... liquid nitrogen... some type of gas...? The substance will largely determine what sort of seals are required.
If it's just a simple liquid, either a rotary ball or cylinder, or a wedge-type gate, would be fine.
 
The valve is for agricultural irrigation purpose.
 
In that case, you don't need tremendous precision or chemical-resistant material.
I might, however, have misunderstood the question. I took it to mean that you want to build the whole thing from scratch, but is it that you just want to attach a motor to a store-bought manual valve?
 
yeha, I want to power a PVC plastic gate valve with the 12 v motor, but I need to know when to stop powering the motor, i.e. when the valve is fully open or fully closed.
 
Ahh... no problem. Just toss in a couple of limit switches. What kind to use depends upon how the motor is connected to the valve.
 
I want the valve to be either fully open or fully closed no intermittent states...
 
Understood. What I actually meant, though, is how the motor is attached. Are you wanting to use a lead-screw (screwjack), a gear train, chain and sprockets, or etc.? Any kind of switch can be used as a limit switch, but the physical set-up determines which ones are most practical. As a general rule, you can't go wrong with momentary buttons or mini-levers.
 
hmmm... I am not sure, I am thinking of attaching the turn lever with the shaft of the motor directly. I am a novice when it comes to engineering... but I am going to give it a try... What do you suggest would be a good limit switch?
 
  • #10
Your mention of a lever rather than a wheel indicates that there's probably less than a 360° throw between open and closed. If that's the case, you can just mount SPST/NC momentary pushbutton switches on brackets attached to the valve body or support structure in positions which will cause them to be pushed to "off" by the lever itself at the end of its travel in either direction. You'll probably want weatherproof units.
 
  • #11
Don't forget to consider limit switches.
 
  • #12
Travis_King said:
Don't forget to consider limit switches.

Do you mean the things that we've been discussing since post #6?
 
  • #13
heh, specifically post #10. Yea, I didn't read it all...I just saw "building an actuated valve" and read the first few posts. whoops!
 
  • #14
:biggrin:
No sweat; I do that all the time.
 
  • #15
okay after a long time...
I would like to know what is the best limit switch I could use?
 
  • #16
BalJop:

The limit switches you need for this application are very simple; you might even find them in your local hardware store.
 

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