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Joystick Mechanisms

Discussion in 'Mechanisms' started by cpw, Jan 15, 2017.

  1. cpw

    cpw Retired Moderator

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    A joystick is a draggable platform that always bounces back to its original (upright) position when dragged in any direction. One common application is to control a ball's movement on top by tilting the platform itself. Here's a list of different mechanisms that are designed to serve the same purpose (sorted by the time of discovery) :-

    “Joystick (KPACABA)”

    This is the very first joystick mechanism. The tilting platform should be a free movable (a.k.a. metal blocks attached to an unanchored motor). Put vertical sliders under the four sides of the tilting platform. Use a free draggable block as the joystick and put it in a chamber so that it doesn’t go away. Then, connect the four vertical sliders to the inside of this chamber, and let the joystick push down one of the sliders whenever it is swiped onto one side. The platform will tilt in that direction.
    “Joystick (Frenzies)”
    First, place a motor with a draggable-controlled stick on top, then attach it to a slider. Then, block the slider from moving, and attach “elastic ropes” (strings of connected motors) around it. Finally, surround the elastic ropes with blocks (don’t use metal blocks). The flexibility of the ropes allow the Joystick to move smoothly, but stop it from spinning.
    “Joystick (meko)”
    This is the first compact joystick mechanism. Based on the Tiny Jump Demo of @retrograde , an inverted motor is attached to an immovable slider, then a draggable is connected to the side of the motor (to prevent the slider from moving by itself). A draggable platform is then attached on top of the motor tip. The inverted motor anchor allows the platform to be tilted.
    ** Note that the slider-motor base unit was confined by a stone border so that it would not be displaced as you drag the platform on top.
    “Joystick (cpw)”
    Another compact joystick mechanism, this utilizes an inverted free-motor unit. Firstly the base unit is created by attaching a motor onto a metal block (with the motor tip pointing upwards). To lock the base unit from moving, four sliders (in different orientations) are attached to the four sides of the metal block. Finally, attach a draggable metal plate onto the motor tip.
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2017
    Gepeto and Frenzies like this.

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