Motor specifications to drive Motorcyle Carousel

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the required torque output for a gear motor to effectively drive a motorcycle dolly weighing 500 lbs. The dolly is 5 feet long, with a drive wheel diameter of 2.5 inches. Participants recommend measuring the force needed to turn the dolly manually, particularly at the point of a 1/4 inch obstruction, and calculating the torque using the formula: torque = force x radius. A safety factor of 2 to 3 is advised to ensure adequate torque capacity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of torque calculations and units (ft-lb, in-oz)
  • Familiarity with gear motor specifications and selection
  • Basic knowledge of mechanical principles related to force and motion
  • Experience with measuring tools such as spring scales
NEXT STEPS
  • Research how to measure torque using a spring scale and calculate required torque for different scenarios.
  • Explore gear motor specifications, focusing on stall torque and safety factors.
  • Learn about the design and implementation of clutches in motorized systems.
  • Investigate the properties and advantages of neoprene casters in mechanical applications.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for garage tinkerers, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone interested in motorizing mechanical systems, particularly those working with motorcycle dollies or similar applications.

Moe Curley
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Hi, I'm and uneducated garage tinkerer currently motorizing a motorcycle dolly in order to rotate a motorcycle 180 degrees within its length to enable me to ride off and upon returning to my garage, to rotate the bike in order to drive out on my next ride. My question is what amount of ft-lb or in-oz output of torque gear motor would be required for the motors. The bike and dolly total 500lbs and the dolly is 5 feet long. The weight is evenly distributed along the length of the dolly. I will be using a single motor to drive two wheels, one wheel at each end of the dolly. I have replaced the swiveling dolly casters with casters which are arranged in line with rotation throughout. The casters are very efficient and the drive wheel would be 2.5 inches in diameter. The speed of rotation is arbitrary as their is no time constraint. I would like the neoprene casters to be able to surmount a 1/4 inch obstruction and the drive mechanism will have a clutch and stoppage override to avoid damage. I'm very sorry if I have not provided enough information about this problem but if you need additional info please let me know.
 
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Not that uneducated, you know how to provide the right information and ask the right questions.

If your intent is to add a motor to your existing motorcycle dolly, start by measuring the force to turn the dolly by hand. Tie a rope on one end and pull using a spring scale. Measure the force at the worst point - your 1/4 inch obstruction. The torque is that force multiplied by the drive wheel radius, so XX lbs X 1.25 inch radius = drive torque in inch-lbs. That assumes that you connect the gear motor output to the drive wheel with a 1:1 gear ratio. Add in a torque safety factor of 2 or 3 to make sure you have enough torque.

If your gear motor is properly chosen so that it can be stalled without damage, then you will not need an overload clutch.
 

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