Rotating Platform
#1
01-23-14, 07:49 AM
Join Date: Jan 2014
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Rotating Platform
Hey, all. This is my first time posting so I apologize if this is in the wrong forum.
I have been tasked with building a platform a user can stand on with a motorized outer ring that rotates around the user very similar to this video: Break the Mould documentary on Vimeo (ignore the artsy design stuff...).
I've never done a project of this scale and had a few questions regarding motor type and setup. First, my current design involves having a "loose" outer ring that fits around a center platform and sits on top of three caster wheels and a motorized wheel that will cause it to rotate when activated. (If needed, I can probably create an image of this.) Do you think this design would work or is there an easier alternative?
Secondly, I'm not sure how powerful of a motor is needed. Do you guys have a good estimation for something like this?
I have been tasked with building a platform a user can stand on with a motorized outer ring that rotates around the user very similar to this video: Break the Mould documentary on Vimeo (ignore the artsy design stuff...).
I've never done a project of this scale and had a few questions regarding motor type and setup. First, my current design involves having a "loose" outer ring that fits around a center platform and sits on top of three caster wheels and a motorized wheel that will cause it to rotate when activated. (If needed, I can probably create an image of this.) Do you think this design would work or is there an easier alternative?
Secondly, I'm not sure how powerful of a motor is needed. Do you guys have a good estimation for something like this?
#2
01-23-14, 08:29 AM
How much do you want to spend? There are ready made ones like this: Rotating Stage, Turning Platform, Turntable, Motorized Staging
#3
01-23-14, 09:51 AM
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The issue with those is that I need a center platform that doesn't spin which the user will stand. The outer ring is what spins around them.
#4
01-23-14, 09:52 AM
Group Moderator
If people will be walking in the area I would use more than three casters or support wheels for the rotating disc, especially if it will be somewhat light weight. Someone stepping on the ring between support wheels could cause the other side to raise up but a couple more wheels should greatly reduce the chance.
How much power it will take to rotate will totally depend on the structure's weight, your support and the rotation speed. The rotating platform of the Seattle Space Needle is driven by a 1 1/2 hp motor so even a massive structure like that does not take much power to rotate slowly.
How much power it will take to rotate will totally depend on the structure's weight, your support and the rotation speed. The rotating platform of the Seattle Space Needle is driven by a 1 1/2 hp motor so even a massive structure like that does not take much power to rotate slowly.
