Small gear used to dampen linear movement of rack.. standard parts?

[Syncro5]

Hi all,

I've seen, a few times, the use of a very small spur gear used to dampen the movement of a rack it's engaged to. I imagine the gear has a very tightly fitting rubber bushing or similar which creates high friction as it turns. I'm currently looking for one for a project where a spring loaded draw needs dampening as it is pushed open by the spring. Unfortunately there isn't enough room to fit the standard draw dampeners but I should be able to incorporate a rack into the design of the draw and fit the gear to the main body.

Does anyone know what these parts are called? And where I might be able to get one as a standard part?

Cheers!

 

[MikeHalloran]

Asian manufacturers used to turn them out by the millions, and sell them for less than a quarter, when audiotape cassette decks were being sold by the millions, and later, larger ones for VCR doors.

Now, they're trailing edge technology. You may be able to get them from replacement parts distributors, but you won't get them cheap.

A search on "cassette door dampers" without the quotes was modestly productive.


Failing that, just fitting a lightly greased o-ring to a counterbore in a plastic gear's hub may be sufficient. It will be a little technique- sensitive.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[Syncro5]

I knew I has seen them somewhere else! That's it, cassette doors. I'm sure they must still be made for other applications! I'll try the "cassette door damper" lead and see how far I get.

Thanks for your help.

 

[kjoiner]

Hello,

Try looking for a rotary damper. Ace Controls and several other companies make dampers that may fit your application. I don't know what your load and speed requirements are, but they should be able to help. The dampers have silicone oil inside that creates the damping. You can get them with pinion gears attached. There are also one way options that provide damping in one direction only.

Kyle