Laboratory Rocker - type of mechanical movement & related information

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the mechanical movement of a laboratory rocker device, specifically regarding its design, dimensions, and the mathematical modeling required for simulation. Participants seek to understand the relationships between various components of the rocker, such as motor radius, pin locations, and table bearings, as well as how to adapt the design for smaller versions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the necessary specifications for the rocking motion, including frequency, maximum angle, and weight of the sample.
  • Another suggests that the electronic panel of the referenced device allows for programmable oscillation frequency and duration.
  • A participant provides a link to a Wikipedia page on mechanical linkages, proposing that sharing required dimensions could help compute pin lengths and positions.
  • There is a request for technical schemes and mathematical equations for simulating the rocker in Matlab or Python, indicating a need for resources to calculate rocker sizes.
  • One participant recommends looking into cam design formulas for initial approximations, suggesting that these may suffice for non-critical applications.
  • A mention of "Machinery's Handbook" is made as a potential resource for more in-depth information on mechanical design.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the topic and propose different resources and approaches for understanding the rocker design. There is no consensus on a single method or resource, and multiple perspectives on how to proceed with the design and simulation remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not established specific assumptions or parameters for the rocker design, and there are unresolved details regarding the mathematical modeling and simulation processes.

JohnSa
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Hi all

I have a question about this device in https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2948680/files. Where can I find more information/reading material about this type of mechanical movement (for example, what is the ratio between the motor circle radius, pin location and the table bearings).

I wish to print a smaller one but I do not know where to start.

Thanks
 
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Welcome, @JohnSa !

Do you need an specific output for the sample to be rocked?
Example: frequency, maximum angle, weight of sample, way to fix sample to platform, etc.
The one shown in your link has an electronic panel controlling the motor.
It seems that because of that, the frequency and duration of the oscillation can be programed.
 
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I have a question about this laboratory rocker, mainly about the part in the image attached red ellipse. Is there a technical scheme and mathematical equations set that allows me to simulate it using Matlab/Python? By this set it will allow me to calculate a rocker in different sizes.

machLinkage.png


BTW: I am a programmer and keen 3D hobbyist and not an engineer so any help will be appreciated.
 
Last edited:
hsi100 said:
I have a question about this laboratory rocker, mainly about the part in the image attached red ellipse. Is there a technical scheme and mathematical equations set that allows me to simulate it using Matlab/Python? By this set it will allow me to calculate a rocker in different sizes.

View attachment 333991

BTW: I am a programmer and keen 3D hobbyist and not an engineer so any help will be appreciated.

If you have no experience I'd first check the link posted by @Baluncore at #3.
Baluncore said:
Welcome to PF.

Start reading here; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linkage_(mechanical)

If you can post your required dimensions and the rocking angle limits, we can compute the length between the pins, and so the pin positions on the components.

The section "Planar one degree-of-freedom linkages" should be especially relevant.
 
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