| General > General Technical Chat |
| Sharing some project planning phase: A (digital) ELECTRO-MECHANICAL Network |
| << < (4/39) > >> |
| RJSV:
The diagram shows a portion, in this case the yellow shaded wheels are pulleys, for bands. In the center, the B pulley is 1 1/2 inch DIA. and with belt drive from 3/4 inch pulley. If you care for the detail, the 'A' output is what will drive that large pulley, for the B switch toggle. |
| coppercone2:
only thing I would add for construction is if you built it from a two part shell, planing the interface between the two parts flat might offer more repeatable and stable mating.. I mean on the bottom where the two boards meet, if its not done already. I think when its cut smooth it will work better then a saw cut surface.. from experience when I was joining multiple boards together to make cheap table covers I was doing this, and the side walls too, to ensure everything is super square |
| RJSV:
Yes, Coppertone2: I've just gotten enough done on the enclosure, that's always easier doing parallel (plates), as you said... Maybe doesn't look like much, but the 'brick /lunchbox' proto for a mechanical-addressed station helps deal with the relatively simple interference issues. For example, each 'B' column receives a 'SELECT', which places that station into 'READY' mode (or SELECT mode). For that SELECT signal, coming as an input, it is best handled, in or near the other input layer components. In this case, the receiver pulley is placed near to other inputs. For another case, taking the column 'A' signal, from the 'output' plane, dictates placement, of a receiver pulley, near other outputs. Notice the basic BUS seen, consists of 3 mechanical rotary signals, passing into and through each station (box). The fourth BUS signal, is used locally, for setting each station 'RELAY' into Ready status. Not obvious in picture, but this 'footprint' maintains position, while BUS passes from module to module without offsets. |
| RJSV:
It's a wacky solution, looking for a wacky problem, but... Consider the HIGH VOLTAGE CAGE structure, needed to keep 'pesky humans' from trouble (accidentally contacting the 150 kV Southern Pike Line.) This gajget made from wood or plastic could do a few ,(rotary) mechanical actuations, free of metal conductors. But, of course, this 4-shaft BUS system might be better replaced with... simply 4 shafts. And for larger network (strings), some solutions gain too much simple friction, too fast:. But, it's a fun concept, an infinite network, using a 'NEXT ITEM' type access. A simple 8 way binary system would have 4 shafts, 3 for the binary address bits, plus a shaft acting as 'clock'. The actual decode done, classic style, with 3 shafts, bits 0, 1, and 2. Looking back at diagram, the station box pulls apart, back face (inputs) and front face (outputs), that way any shaft couplings etc can come free, as one plate is loosened. Even more detail: inside is half-way wall, for terminating shafts. Input shafts have terminating, as a bearing support, at the half-wall. Output shafts similar, where half-wall supports shaft ends, while other ends exit the station housing. Assembly / troubleshooting is aided, by having easy to dis-assemble modules. Plus, metal screws or other metal fasteners should be avoided, for best design. |
| RJSV:
...Trying for a phrase: Best could come up with, regarding 'bloated designs' (and playing off the MEMS acronym for 'Micro - Electro - Mechanical' devices.) How about, for this 'Mechanical Logic Contraption': ...'GROSSLY Oversize Electro - Mechanical', or 'GEMs'. Seriously, I discovered my (wood working) skills need updates: Much of that 'RELAY' box, pictured recently, is accurate, ONLY, to +/- 1/8 inch ...wow! But that's boxwood, so it's easy to sand the soft wood. Came across an apt quote, via old LIFE Magazine article, on DISNEYLAND: "Intricate, hokey, hugely expensive assemblage..." "...embodied the businesslike use of fantasy, the no-nonsense approach to nonsense." That's gonna do, for now. ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY ! |
| Navigation |
| Message Index |
| Next page |
| Previous page |