Solution Found: Spring & Wheel - 2x4 Spinning Ball and Spring

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design and sourcing of a mechanism involving a spinning ball or wheel mounted on a 2x4, which should allow for rolling while incorporating a spring mechanism that provides tension. The scope includes practical applications and potential products that could fulfill these requirements.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a need for a spinning ball or wheel on a 2x4 that can compress with a spring behind it, seeking advice on available products.
  • Another participant suggests attaching the axle of the wheel to a fixed spring and references exercise machines that operate on similar principles.
  • A different participant expresses a preference for purchasing a ready-made solution rather than building from scratch, mentioning specific products that might work.
  • One suggestion involves using a metal tape measure or an extendable leash as a potential mechanism, though this is met with clarification that the desired action is not winding but compression.
  • Several participants clarify that the wheel should be able to compress down under pressure and then spring back up, without any winding action involved.
  • There is a mention of toy cars with spring mechanisms, which prompts further clarification on the type of spring action desired.
  • One participant questions whether adding their own springs to a suggested wheel assembly could achieve the desired effect, while also recommending a design with more mounting holes for stability.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of the desired mechanism, particularly regarding the nature of the spring action and whether it should involve winding. There is no consensus on a specific product or solution, and multiple competing views remain on how to achieve the desired functionality.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the specifics of the spring mechanism, including the degree of compression and the exact nature of the desired action. There are also references to products that may or may not meet the requirements, indicating a need for further exploration.

QuestionPlease
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I have a simple problem with a simple solution - but i can't figure out how to do it. Help would be greatly appreciated!

Basically I have a 2x4. on this 2x4, i want to put a spinning 1" ball (or wheel) that will allow things to roll on it. BUT i want the ball to have a spring behind it that give a little tension to it.

Do they make anything like this? And where would i buy them?

Thanks!
 
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QuestionPlease said:
I have a simple problem with a simple solution - but i can't figure out how to do it. Help would be greatly appreciated!

Basically I have a 2x4. on this 2x4, i want to put a spinning 1" ball (or wheel) that will allow things to roll on it. BUT i want the ball to have a spring behind it that give a little tension to it.

Do they make anything like this? And where would i buy them?

Thanks!

Welcome to the PF.

Could you maybe post a sketch? And what kind of things do you want to roll on this 2x4 piece of wood?
 
Well if you're building it from scratch, then all you would need to do is attach the axle of the wheel to a fixed spring---I think you pretty much have it. If you don't insist on building it from a 2x4, then there are actually a bunch of exercise machines for leg presses which basically operate on the same principle, take for example the bowflex (where the bows basically function as the spring): http://www.socialshopping.com/image...s--Bowflex-PR1000-Gym-Fitness-equipments-.jpg The seat can roll along the rail it's on, but the bows pull the seat back in.
 
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Thanks Jolb - I'm thinking on a much smaller scale though. The ball or wheel is only about an inch or two in diameter. And no, i don't want do it from scratch. I would much rather go to Lowes or order it online if possible.

I just need a rolling ball or wheel that will compress. These MIGHT work, but I've never used one before: http://www.te-co.com/Ball+Plungers-C-3001-C-.aspx
 
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What about a metal tape measure. you pull it out and release it snaps back in. There is also small ones for your keys so you don't loose them. Or a extendable leash for a dog. Just tie the loose end to the roller and the other end somewhere on your 2x4.
 
I'm not wanting a winding action. I just want the wheel to compress down.
 
How many wheel rotations do you want to have between the spring being relaxed and at full compression?

There are some toy cars that have a spring mechanism attached to their rear wheels so that you can rub them backwards on the ground a bit, and then release them to let the spring energy propel them along for a while...
 
No, I'm sorry. I'm not wanting any kind of spring for the wheel to wind. The wheel should spend freely. I just want the wheel to be able to be pushed down. Just like this product: http://www.allaboutdoors.com/product...ducts_id=25350 - only if something pushing down on the wheel that it will sink in and then spring back up.
 
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  • #10
Oh. I thought you wanted some springy action so the wheel would not roll down the 2x4 on its own.

I can't remeber where I have seen something to what you want, though it evades me right now.
 
  • #11
QuestionPlease said:
No, I'm sorry. I'm not wanting any kind of spring for the wheel to wind. The wheel should spend freely. I just want the wheel to be able to be pushed down. Just like this product: http://www.allaboutdoors.com/product...ducts_id=25350 - only if something pushing down on the wheel that it will sink in and then spring back up.

Can you just add your own springs to that wheel assembly? Although it might be good to use one with 4 mounting holes instead of 2, to add stability to the suspended assembly.

http://www.allaboutdoors.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=25350+&search_in_description=1

.
 
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