Newsgroups: comp.robotics
Path: brunix!uunet!usc!noiro.acs.uci.edu!ttinews!polymath!hollombe
From: hollombe@polymath.tti.com (The Polymath)
Subject: Re: Solenoids?
Message-ID: <1992Aug11.233710.20631@ttinews.tti.com>
Sender: usenet@ttinews.tti.com (Usenet Admin)
Nntp-Posting-Host: polymath.tti.com
Organization: The Cat Factory
References: <92223.123554MDSQC@CUNYVM.BITNET>
Date: Tue, 11 Aug 1992 23:37:10 GMT
Lines: 20

In article <92223.123554MDSQC@CUNYVM.BITNET> <MDSQC@CUNYVM.BITNET> writes:

}... My problem is that I
}have to switch the motors from one set of gears to another, as they all
}serve at least two mechanisms. It can be electronically controlled, and
}the final project will be controlled via computer, so it doesn't have to
}be automatic (although it wouldn't be a bad thing...).

I don't know what surplus stores are like in your end of the world.  Out
here, there's a few that often have what you need:  An electric clutch.
I've also seen one improvised out of a solenoid and a small differential.
Just use the solenoid to block the differential's internal rotation.  It's
not very precise, but it works.  I've also seen a clutch that works on
direction of rotation (effectively, an analog ratchet).  You just have to
keep combing the parts bins and see what you come up with.

The Polymath (aka: Jerry Hollombe, M.A., CDP, aka: hollombe@polymath.tti.com)
Head Robot Wrangler at Citicorp                   Turn the rascals out!
3100 Ocean Park Blvd.   (310) 450-9111, x2483     No incumbents in '92!
Santa Monica, CA  90405
