Hi - this has been puzzling me for some time. I am under a NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) on this project so I can discuss any specifics. However I am working on the electronic control systems of this device. It is a project I first started with about 5 years ago - in that time we have produced a device that works and performs 'OK'. We would like to make it better and that is basically where this post comes in.
The device is used to sort items of different diameters (ranging from 5mm to 25mm), the items are being produced at the rate of about 1 every 150mS. As each item is produced it passes under a sprung arm which forces the item to sit at the bottom of the channel where it is then moved onto a compartmentalized conveyor.
I would like to measure the deflection of this sprung arm somehow. I have been considering using a coil based oscillator with a metallic pin attached to the arm such that it moves in and out of the coil. Or some kind of optical system, where light levels are reduced based on movement. I have a small budget so I cant use anything fancy like a camera! The arm is moving a maximum of 90 degrees. Anyone got any suggestions!
The device is used to sort items of different diameters (ranging from 5mm to 25mm), the items are being produced at the rate of about 1 every 150mS. As each item is produced it passes under a sprung arm which forces the item to sit at the bottom of the channel where it is then moved onto a compartmentalized conveyor.
I would like to measure the deflection of this sprung arm somehow. I have been considering using a coil based oscillator with a metallic pin attached to the arm such that it moves in and out of the coil. Or some kind of optical system, where light levels are reduced based on movement. I have a small budget so I cant use anything fancy like a camera! The arm is moving a maximum of 90 degrees. Anyone got any suggestions!