Small Rotating Platform
Small Rotating Platform
(OP)
I am currently in the initial stages of design for a small (~8 ft dia.) rotating light platform that will be protected from direct contact with weather elements, however, this system must be very reliable with very minimal need for servicing/maintenance due to very restricted access conditions.
Any suggestions regarding best rotating platform bearings, gears, motors or any possible "pitfalls" to avoid would be greatly appreciated - including design references.
Thanks!
Any suggestions regarding best rotating platform bearings, gears, motors or any possible "pitfalls" to avoid would be greatly appreciated - including design references.
Thanks!





RE: Small Rotating Platform
Loads?
Speed?
Constant rotation in the same direction, or reversing?
Speed and positional accuracy required?
Definition of "very reliable" in terms of something quantifiable like hours before failure, or hours before maintenance required?
Cost constraints?
RE: Small Rotating Platform
NX 7.5
Teamcenter 8
RE: Small Rotating Platform
Loads - N.T.E. 500 pounds
Speed - 2 to possibly 4 rpm
Constant rotation in same direction - no reversing - only dusk to dawn operation
Speed constant and positional accuracy can have some "play"; however, should try to maintain a level condition.
Maintenance - should try to achieve a maintenance schedule of at least 3 years.
Cost constraints are really not an issue - especially if reliability can be achieved.
RE: Small Rotating Platform
Ambient temperature range?
How do you propose to get the power to the lights?
Does "..protected from direct contact with weather.." mean
- sheltered from falling rain?
- sheltered from blowing rain?
- sheltered from blowing dust?
- sheltered from blowing snow?
- protected from condensed moisture?
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Small Rotating Platform
Google "crane bearing", "slewing bearing" or "turn table bearing".
or
A shaft at the center with a tapered roller pillow-block to take the thrust and a ball pillow-block a suitable distance down to handle the tipping loads.
or
Small flanged steel wheels (three of them) riding on a track.
or
You could probably find a reduction gear drive with a suitable slewing output bearing already included from SEW-Eurodrive, Camco-Ferguson or the like.
RE: Small Rotating Platform
ambient temperature range -20 degrees F to 110 degrees F
Power to lights is not a problem and has been under development.
Sheltered from all items listed; however, condensed moisture might come into play.
RE: Small Rotating Platform
RE: Small Rotating Platform
RE: Small Rotating Platform
Does that do anything towards the mechanical design?
Apart from the implications of an artic surrounding, ofcourse, however if extreme conditions are expected to be met, those should be mentioned in the opening post.
I appreciate your input...
RE: Small Rotating Platform
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Small Rotating Platform
RE: Small Rotating Platform
RE: Small Rotating Platform
RE: Small Rotating Platform
I'd start with Avoiding Overdesign:
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