Weekend racer/ dragster project.

[excello]

I forgot to mention it would have stops, cable lengths(fine stainless steel), that would be the bottom throw. Without the stops the springs would just continue to stretch. I was thinking ABS sheet would be good as it would be able to handle the occasional beating and still be lightweight. The cables being flexible would allow for some sort of big shunt without breakage that a solid stop or your actuator would probably succumb to.

Jason

Hmmm. Thought about doing it the other way around so that it would be impact resistant with springs. So if you would hit a speed bump (lots of those in my neighborhood) or something like that, it would fold up and then pop open again. (bit tricky with the hinge placement, but could work) Would work as an indicator too, if you hear scraping then you have a few cm to go. With a stainless or titanium strip instead of all aluminum. But that opening at higher speeds is a really interesting idea...... Might use that idea instead, if you don't mind of course.

Sorry for the thread highjack....

[evilC]

This is what i like about this site - innovation and engineering. Keep it up Guys!

Clive

[volkdent]

Originally Posted by excello

Hmmm. Thought about doing it the other way around so that it would be impact resistant with springs. So if you would hit a speed bump (lots of those in my neighborhood) or something like that, it would fold up and then pop open again. (bit tricky with the hinge placement, but could work) Would work as an indicator too, if you hear scraping then you have a few cm to go. With a stainless or titanium strip instead of all aluminum. But that opening at higher speeds is a really interesting idea...... Might use that idea instead, if you don't mind of course.

Sorry for the thread highjack....

I think you might have missed the point of the springs, they would keep the scoop UP so you wouldn't hit speedbumps!!!

Then they would allow the scoop to drop down as air pressure forced the scoop open, then the cable stops would limit the complete travel to a predetermined drop.

Jason

[excello]

Haha, no I did get the point of the springs and all that. I was approaching the problem from another angle. Your system gives you a scoop when you need it because you get up to speed. (tom's too because he hits a switch) I was thinking I need a scoop, period. But trying to figuring out how to get it out of the way when I near a speed bump. I wanted to weld one on but then thought that might be a problem. I did think about linear actuators but thought it would be over-engineering and a pain to hit that switch every time I see a speed bump. I never thought about the fact that there are moments that I don't need a scoop, accept when it might get in the way. That's why I had a 'slap on the forehead' moment because I never thought of driving around slowly with a closed scoop. Yeah, I get bedazzled by my own 'creative' solutions sometimes so I don't see the simple problems anymore. It all does sound silly if you read it like this.....