Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: airman00 on March 22, 2011, 12:54:31 PM

Title: Gear for tracking linear motion of Angled Rack Gear
Post by: airman00 on March 22, 2011, 12:54:31 PM

Hey All,
I'm trying to track the linear motion of an angled rack gear ( it has to be angled, it can't be a normal rack gear). What type of gear should I use?
I'm planning on connecting a gear to a potentiometer and when the angled rack gear moves on its linear track( not shown in my picture), it would rotate the potentiometer and I would be able to have a crude idea of where the thing is.

Title: Re: Gear for tracking linear motion of Angled Rack Gear
Post by: Aberg098 on March 23, 2011, 07:49:59 AM

The angled rack gear you pictured reminds me of the ratcheting mechanism they use on trains or roller coasters to prevent the train from moving down the slope in case of motor failure.

Your plan seems sound, assuming your stay within the range limits of your potentiometer.

Title: Re: Gear for tracking linear motion of Angled Rack Gear
Post by: nickc on March 23, 2011, 10:58:05 AM

You might have a very hard time finding an asymmetric pinion gear the right size.  You could also use a rubber wheel attached to your pot rolling on a smooth section of the rack or use an LVDT to get position.