Press and release a button to rotate an object?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the design and feasibility of a device that rotates an object by pressing and releasing a button. Participants explore mechanical concepts, potential designs, and the necessary components for achieving a controlled rotation of approximately 10 degrees. The conversation includes technical details and considerations for the mechanism's functionality.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using a tiny spiral spring to facilitate the rotation and return of the blue part when the button is pressed and released.
  • Another suggests that push button rotary detent switches could be a viable solution, noting their commonality and existing patents on similar devices.
  • A participant describes a simple mechanism involving a gear that turns one tooth with each button press, with a stop to prevent backward slipping.
  • Some participants discuss the need for levers to convert motion and the possibility of using a spring in the button itself to assist in the mechanism.
  • Questions are raised regarding the required degree of error tolerance for the rotation, the forces involved, and the durability of the device under various conditions.
  • Another participant suggests a design using a bent axle and a pivoted link to connect the pushbutton to the rotating part, emphasizing simplicity and potential material choices.
  • Clarifications are requested about the design's size and the specifics of how the joint would facilitate rotation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various ideas and approaches, with no clear consensus on a single design or mechanism. Multiple competing views and suggestions remain throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight several design considerations, including material choices, cost, reliability, and the mechanical forces at play. There are unresolved questions about the specifics of the mechanism and its operational requirements.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in mechanical design, engineering solutions, or those working on similar projects may find the discussion relevant.

  • #31
Ah, I see it now.
Thank you for the further clarification DaveC.

I believe two hinge connections are enough and a full ball-socket connections or similar are not needed for this.

That said I believe for my project specifically a rack and pinion is more than good enough for the job.

Thanks everyone who participated in the discussion.
 
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