Automated Linear motion in counterweight system 1

[gkhndk]

Hi,
I have a system which has counterweight mechanism and a load connected via pulley(please see the attached document).

I can lift the load (up/down) manually however, I need to automate the lifting process.

It has a 40 kg counterweight and 40kg load.

The specifications are as follow:
- No modification to be made to the existing system. Only external add-ons to be used.
- Collision detection when the load hits something unexpected.
- About 1.50 meters max from bottom to top, and top to bottom lifting. It needs to be flexible from 0 - 1.50 meters. The more resolution is better.
- It will be used indoor
- It will be used 100 times per day.

1- Lead screw ( I want to avoid this if possible)
2- Linear actuator motor(

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC12V-600mm...36533?hash=item3f5bcc0375:g:8RUAAOSwv-NWapVn)

I am not sure if this also has a linear lead screw arrangement
3- Magnetic linear motion. This will be ideal but the price can be too high.
4- How can I synch two linear motion systems together? Lasers? Sensors?
5- Chain driven design

So basically looking for a motor+lifting system that can do this and I can easily retrofit on to the load.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

[ameyerrenke]

I'm not sure what all your constraints are, but it sounds like you're describing a garage door opener. A garage door opener would be available chain driven or lead screw driven. Any reason this wouldn't work for your application?

 

[tbuelna]

It is unclear from your sketch and written description what you are asking for. If you provide a more detailed sketch and description of your system, you will get more helpful responses.

 

[gkhndk]

Hi,
Thank you for your replies.
I have added more information if it helps.

Regarding the garage doors openers. Yes it is pretty similar to that concept in fact.


I am struggling to find a supplier to provide these hardware(motor, chain and encoder).

Planning to use arduino yun(or similar) to control it as a prototype to start with.

 

[gkhndk]

Any updates?

 

[ameyerrenke]

With as inexpensive as Garage door openers can be purchased for, I doubt you could purchase the individual components that you're in search of for any cheaper than you could purchase the opener for- then just throw out the components you don't need.

As tbuelna mentioned- if you provide a more detailed sketch and description of your system, you will get more helpful responses.

 

[gkhndk]

Thank you ameyerrenke.
So you suggest to purchase a garage door opener and tweak it to your needs?

I edited the description of the main thread a few days ago. Please let me know if you need more detail.
Really appreciate your responses.