Which is better for high cycle output: elevator or piston/cylinder?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparison of two mechanical systems—an elevator system and a piston/cylinder system—designed to achieve high cycle output using a standard 1 horsepower motor. Participants explore the implications of each design in terms of efficiency and output cycles per minute, considering factors such as load, balance, and mechanical reliability.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates that a reciprocating motion system could theoretically achieve 41.25 cycles per minute under ideal conditions, based on a minimum force requirement of 200 lbs.
  • Another participant suggests that a crank system may inherently allow for higher cyclic rates compared to a cable system, citing reliability as an additional advantage.
  • A different viewpoint favors the elevator design, noting that speed could vary based on the load being lifted, implying that an unloaded elevator could operate at maximum speed.
  • One participant proposes the use of a camshaft connected to a reducer to achieve a specific RPM, questioning whether this setup could handle the required torque of 200 FT LBS.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on which system is superior for achieving high cycle output, with no consensus reached on the best approach. Some favor the crank system for its potential reliability and speed, while others advocate for the elevator system, highlighting its energy conservation through counterweights.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided detailed calculations or empirical data to support their claims, and assumptions regarding efficiency, load conditions, and mechanical design limitations remain unaddressed.

bananabrownin
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[SOLVED] Elevator vs. Piston/Cylinder

In designing a reciprocating linear motion force, I have two approaches to the problem using a standard 1 horsepower motor. The travel is 2 feet forward and 2 feet backwords with a minimum force of 200lbs.

From calculations, each cycle of the reciprocating motion will generate at minimum:
2(200LBS x 2FT) = 800 FT LBS per cycle.

Theoretical maximum with 100% efficiency will yield:
(33,000FT LBS) / (800 FT LBS/cycle) = 41.25 Cycles/Minute


If I had a choice between designing a system where the 1HP motor will power a system much like a car's piston/cylinder approach, or one where the 1HP motor will power a cable-system-powered-elevator, which would be a better approach to attain the highest cycles per minute?

The elevator approach would have counterweights to balance the system in order to conserve energy since if it's balanced, it'll require only a little bit of force to tip the balance to move the counterweight down and the elevator up.



I am not asking for calculations, but just opinions on which would be the better route to take in terms of output cycles per minute.


Thanks
 
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Welcome to PF, Bananabrownin.
It seems to me that the crank system is inherently capable of much higher cyclic rates than the cable, and is probably more reliable as well.
 
I like the elevator idea. The only problem might be that your speed would be determined by the amount of passengers/load the elevator would lifting. No load, all the speed you need.
 
For an application that requires 200 FT LBS, would a camshaft suffice?

My idea was connecting a 1HP motor to a reducer to obtain ~35RPM and attaching a camshaft to the output shaft. Then mounted above the camshaft will be a cam follower that will travel up and down as the camshaft rotates.

Example picture is g.photos.cx/CAM-95.jpg

Would a camshaft be able to support torques of that amount or will 200 FT LBS exceed the inherently simple design of linear reciprocating motion?
 

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