Automated door opener
Automated door opener
(OP)
I'm looking for a clever 12v way to open and close an access panel. Let's say the panel is18"X18"', basically a flat piece of 20 ga steel, hinged on one side. My goal is to have the opening side (opposite the hinge) move about 4" away from its rest position and stay there until triggered shut. Ideally the motion would be relatively slow and smooth, maybe like a DVD disc as it moves in and out of an automated player.
My first idea was to hook up an lever affair to a windshield wiper motor because the motor could be mounted so as to not conflict for space with what's behind the access panel. I'm thinking the motor would be strong enough to move the door and hold it open.
Any other experiences or ideas would be welcome. Thanks. Dave
My first idea was to hook up an lever affair to a windshield wiper motor because the motor could be mounted so as to not conflict for space with what's behind the access panel. I'm thinking the motor would be strong enough to move the door and hold it open.
Any other experiences or ideas would be welcome. Thanks. Dave





RE: Automated door opener
Motor drives an eccentric that pushes the door open.
If security of closure is reqd, have a pin on door that follows a track on the eccentric.
RE: Automated door opener
TTFN
RE: Automated door opener
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pat pprimmer@acay.com.au
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RE: Automated door opener
Sounds like a trip to the scrap yard is in order.
RE: Automated door opener
RE: Automated door opener
And yes, you're right, it would be easier to elbow the panel shut but I actually envisioned a remotely activated opening/closing. I'd really like to consider the air ram idea if the activating mechanism nearest the door panel was sized smaller than any of the electric motors that have been considered. I could easily picture a smooth/slow opening/closing action and that would be ideal. But I do have to close it remotely.
So..I've sort of asked a bundle of questions...and where would I go to see a smallish air-ram that you have in mind?
Thanks Dave
RE: Automated door opener
RE: Automated door opener
Cheers to Tmoose, that site looks pretty good, here is what I can see...
http://fluid-power.globalspec.com/Industrial-Directory/miniature_rod
RE: Automated door opener
But actually...if you've ever seen some of the newer Porsches you've noticed their rear airfoils erect and retract automatically depending on vehicle speed. My idea was to put a forward facing air scoop on my front engined car...where at rest the scoop would be down/closed with no opening, so no foreign material could enter. But at some point, like at ignition, the scoop would open to it's 3 or 4" open position...and be held there until the ignition was turned off, let's say. This would give the engine a better supply of in-rushing cooler air than it now gets. I've considered whether the scoop could actually be made light enough to rise and fall based on headwind , but it seems prudent that if I'm looking for cool air for my engine I'd want it regardless of vehicle speed, hence the idea of an electric motor opening it.
Anyway, the ideas that have been generated would work very well for either an access panel or a hood scoop. If it was really for an access panel I could easily picture someone in the back seat of a Suburban raeching inside the access panel to turn on or off a video disc player or rear radio...or to even hide some contraband. Naughty suburban people.
Dave
RE: Automated door opener
Heater/AC damper actuators perhaps?
RE: Automated door opener