What is the best way to incorporate accelerometers into a 3D positioning system?

[nclay]

I am trying to create a kind of rudimentary 3d positioning system, sort of like a CNC minus the machining aspect. I am just trying to get my very basic design down and I am stuck at how i should get the position data, my first thought was to use an accelerometer placed at the tip of the actuator arm but I am wondering if there is a better way to go... I've been doing lots of research on accelerometers and they seem to only work well with tilt. Any suggestions?

 

[berkeman]

I am trying to create a kind of rudimentary 3d positioning system, sort of like a CNC minus the machining aspect. I am just trying to get my very basic design down and I am stuck at how i should get the position data, my first thought was to use an accelerometer placed at the tip of the actuator arm but I am wondering if there is a better way to go... I've been doing lots of research on accelerometers and they seem to only work well with tilt. Any suggestions?

Welcome to the PF.

You can use rotary or linear encoders, depending on what you are using to create the movements. Limit switches can be used to zero out the counts, when you return the motion assembly to its home position.

 

[nclay]

Thanks berkeman! That was exactly what i was looking for... these things arent cheap! Gonna blow my budget.

Thanks again!
-Nick

 

[berkeman]

Thanks berkeman! That was exactly what i was looking for... these things arent cheap! Gonna blow my budget.

Thanks again!
-Nick

How are you creating the motion? If you're using stepper motors, you can generally just count the steps...

 

[nclay]

My original idea was to use a servo control arm and use an accelerometer to track the movement. I would really like to use the accelerometers i have so I'm thinking about going a different direction with the project... maybe a arm that you can control by attaching accelerometers to your shoulder and elbow. The steppers are a good idea though. I'm just trying to come up with a good project that would satisfy the requirements of my senior project, unfortunately I am really not an idea man.