Help- electric platform pop-up thingee

[KonkeyKong]

I'm not even sure what to google for this one, all attempts have failed.  What I'd like to be able to do is raise an amp and/or External DVD up out of a control panel.  So that the surface is flat and smooth, flip a switch, amp pops up, adjust controls, flip switch again, amp disappears back into control panel. Kind of like the way old VCRs and BETA would pop the tape up out of the top of the player rather than the front.  I guess it could be mechanical where the switch releases the platform and then you push it back down manually.  Any ideas?

[PL1]

What are the weight and dimensions (H, W, D) of the amp you are trying to move?

How much vertical and horizontal space do you have under the panel?

For the DVD, you might be able to build it into the vertical right or left side of the CP


Scott

[KonkeyKong]

The amp is about the same size and weight as a DVD drive, and I'd want the control panel to end up to be about as "thick" as your pinball controller.  If I must, I probably would face-mount the components. but if I can achieve the pop-ups it'll add mega-points to the "Oooooooo factor" 

[PL1]

How about a modified version of this.



Instead of flipping over, just have it tip up.

Maybe use a counterweight (blue) and a spring-loaded latch (green), and some small magnets (red).

The counterweight needs to be heavy enough and on a long enough lever arm to overcome friction and tilt the amp up.

The spring-loaded latch is the type used on glass doors on stereo cabinets.


Scott

[Le Chuck]

PL1, that's pretty slick.  I like that design.  Recommend make the green a short throw linear actuator one could simple automate the action.  That'd be pretty sweet. 

[KonkeyKong]

That's the shizz fellahs!  That is a ton easier than trying to automate a lifting platform.  Time to read up on short throw linear actuators.

[PL1]

Thanks, Le Chuck.   

If you do the linear actuator, orient it horizontally to drive an L-shaped arm that extends downward.

Don't forget to add limit switches.

In either case the critical placement is the pivot point (black) so that:
1. The front pops up far enough to clear
2. The back doesn't go down so far that you see the guts of the CP.


Scott

[KonkeyKong]

Hmmmmm...Lego makes some pretty cool linear actuators that can be had for 8 bucks.  Might be something to try for that price.

[PL1]

Linky?

EDIT: Found this little something to consider on e-bay.

    These cylinders extend and contract by turning the bottom end (they have an axle receptacle that turns, generating movement)
    Movement can be achieved manually or with a motor

Looks like the motor isn't included.   


Scott

[DaOld Man]

Interesting. Surely lego makes a motor to fit it?

[EightBySix]

For such a short movement, I would look at some sort of cam on the end of a servo...

[KonkeyKong]

For such a short movement, I would look at some sort of cam on the end of a servo...

possible examples?? This is stuff I never bothered with before, but has lit a fire in my brain.

[PL1]

For such a short movement, I would look at some sort of cam on the end of a servo...

possible examples?? This is stuff I never bothered with before, but has lit a fire in my brain.

One source that forum members have spoken highly of is Pololu.

This servo looks like it might be a possibility, depending on the weight distribution on the pivot.

This one will definitely have the required torque.

The exact mount angles and geometry for the servo mount/arm will require some planning, but you can work that out on a mockup before you start cutting on your CP.


Scott

[DaOld Man]

Found a motor to fit that lego actuator, but it is slow. 1 mm per second. Too slow for what im looking at doing.
Firgelli makes a motor and lego type actuator combined. 22 mm per second. Cant find a price, but one website warned it was a nice price.
This link has both above mentioned devices, scroll down to near bottom of page:
LINKY


Hmmm, link doesnt work from here, although I got right to it from google. Oh well, its on their homepage somewhere, if you want to find it.

[KonkeyKong]

Arrrrghhhhh!!!!   Pololu BAD!!!!  Wants to take all KonkeyKongs moneys!  So much cool stuff.