Electronics > Projects, Designs, and Technical Stuff

Automatic chicken door time input (low power, simple)

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soldar:
You could combine the door opening and the lock actuators into one. Have it actuate on the door along a slot and a spring. In the drawing it is locked. Then the actuator starts moving back and unlocks. Finally it reaches the end of the slot and starts opening the door. For closing it is the same in reverse.

Amper:
If i understand it correctly opening would work but on closing the latch would hit the ring because there is nothing to compress the spring. Its possible of cause to get rid of one cylinder by nice mechanisms but i really didnt have to because by connecting them in the right way and adding a pneumatic momentary switch i still only have one air line for opening and one for closing. The hardware was leftover scrap anyways and its nice not to have it sit in a box unused until some day ill throw it away.

Ian.M:
No, I think Soldar's drawing shows a bracket on the door retaining the spring.  Therefore the spring force is available to close the door.  However if the hinges get even a little stiff, the bolt will protrude before the door closes, stopping it locking.  Also it needs a hinge joint where the piston rod connects to the bolt or it will jam on opening. 

As you've got a well proven mechanism and plenty of spare parts, much as it hurts my parsimonious nature, I am forced to agree that changing it is not worthwhile.

When you do get done with this, please update the topic with schematic and code.  Even if others will have to mod the design for different door openers, its still valuable.

Amper:
I will!

soldar:

--- Quote from: Ian.M on January 25, 2019, 12:57:10 pm --- No, I think Soldar's drawing shows a bracket on the door retaining the spring.  Therefore the spring force is available to close the door. 
--- End quote ---
Yes, the bracket with the slot is attached to the door.


--- Quote from: Ian.M on January 25, 2019, 12:57:10 pm ---  However if the hinges get even a little stiff, the bolt will protrude before the door closes, stopping it locking. 
--- End quote ---
You can use a spring as stiff as you want so this should not be a problem. Plus hinges with a drop of oil should go smoothly for years. you could substitute a slip latch which can be closed without being pulled back. A more likely scenario is a stick or a pebble prevents closing.


--- Quote from: Ian.M on January 25, 2019, 12:57:10 pm --- As you've got a well proven mechanism and plenty of spare parts, much as it hurts my parsimonious nature, I am forced to agree that changing it is not worthwhile.
--- End quote ---
Well, yes, from the beginning this was a general discussion thread on the topic as it was clear the OP was satisfied with what he already had. So I think the discussion might be of interest to others pursuing similar solutions.

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