Tiltable platform/table

[geoffthehammer]

I am looking for a tiltable (universal mounted) platform/table.

The specification of the device is:
Platform diameter = 30mm max
Base diameter = 30mm approx
Overall height of the mechanism = 20mm max
The platform should be rotatable through a minimum of 90 degrees
The platfrom should be tiltable in any direction through +/-15 degrees.
All axes must be lockable (without damage) and have some sort of indication of their position
Material should be stainless steel or titanium or plastic as the mechanism is to be submerged in saltwater.

The favourite seems to be a ball and socket type universal coupling but how can it be locked without damaging the coupling? (We currently have a ball/socket device and lock the system with a flat nose set screw but this still damages the ball).
How can the angles of tilt & rotation be indicated considering the size restrictions and the fact that it is submerged? (The salt water is clean and clear)

Has anyone seen such a device?

 

[MikeHalloran]

Set screws always leave a mark; collets and pinch bolts, properly done, don't.

Charles Supper Co.

http://www.charles-supper.com

makes stackable tilt stages with self-locking adjustments and vernier scales. See their micro- goniometric arcs #341 and #342, under "Micropositioners". They are made of aluminum and stainless steel, so wouldn't survive your service, but close inspection will reveal some clever design ideas that you might wish to, ahem, borrow. Buy a small/large pair for your desk; no one can resist picking them up.

They also make an all-stainless X-Y-Z head, so they might be persuaded to make a custom part to your specifications.




Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA