How much torque do I need to move a 50lb object?

[Robinson26]

I am currently designing a closet that will automatically open and close. The closet will be 8 feet high 5 feet long and 2 feet deep weighing in at 50 pounds. I was planning on having the movable side being on wheels with a motor powering the movement. I want the distance when it is open to be about 4 feet apart. My question is what size, how much torque is required to move a rectangule wall on wheels 4 feet at a reasonable speed.

 

[phinds]

I am currently designing a wall that will move back and forth via a motor and gearing setup. I was trying to figure out how much torque I will need to move a 5'-8' wall weighing at 50lbs. it does not have to be fast. If anyone can help me it would be a huge help!

To match the specificity of your question, the answer is "some amount".

You need to give a MUCH more specific account of the exact setup you are planning.

 

[Robinson26]

To match the specificity of your question, the answer is "some amount".

You need to give a MUCH more specific account of the exact setup you are planning.

I edited my post, does that help or is it still not enough information.

 

[phinds]

I edited my post, does that help or is it still not enough information.

Not enough information. Big item is what kind of gear mechanism do you plan to use.

 

[anorlunda]

The torque must accelerate the mass, and it must overcome friction. Nothing you said so far tells us about how fast it accelerates, or how much friction there is in the system. Note that gears use the lever principle to magnify forces or torque, but they also add more friction.