Here is a quick overview:
- Built almost entirely with MDF Sheets (no metalwork or welding required)
- Seat mover design
- Uses Ropes and Pulleys to transfer motor output to seat movement
- Use the “Big Wormgear” motors available from motiondynamics
- Uses single 360W cheap power supply from China off eBay (sold as LED lighting PSUs)
- Uses H-Bridges from China off eBay (Sold as 43A units, probably more like 20A continuous?)
- Uses Arduino X-PID controller
- Max 125mm linear movement at seat connection point (equivalent to 250mm linear actuator at shoulder height)
- Max 300mm/sec linear speed at seat connection point (equivalent to 600mm/sec linear actuator at shoulder height)
- By adjusting drive and feedback pulley sizes can change speed and max movement
- Drive and Feedback pulleys also made of MDF using hole saw
- Have currently backed off motor power to 80% and restricted movement to 80% travel (via XPID software)
- Motors don’t seem to be stressed at all, H-Bridges
run cool enough to hold finger on drivers (Although haven’t run for more
than about 5mins at a time so far)
- Electronics neatly housed in the base assembly
- Uses a 1/2in Universal Socket adaptor as the universal joint
- It is solid but heavy!
Still to do:
- Add traction loss – Have modified X-PID software to drive three motors with one Arduino – hasn’t been tested though
- Finish the front end console
- Paint and decals
- Look at reducing the weight
- Learn how to drive properly
