Help with CD-PRO Chassis

[Rarkov]

Hi,
I've finally gotten around to thinking about a chassis design for my CD-PRO transport. I had intended on the usual top loader design, however, I could not think of an easy way to have a "lid" or cover. Also, I would have to get the CD shape laser cut since I wanted it recessed but alas, no access to a milling machine (+ no experience!)

I came up with the following idea. The CD-PRO will be mounted in a tray (not uncommon to those is old computers) and will be able to slide in and out. A magnet at the back of the CDPRO tray will serve two purposes. It will keep the 'door' / tray shut tight and also act as a switch for a 'CD Door Open' function.

I need to devise some way of making the tray smooth running, whilst damped slightly to give a nice quality feel. I suppose the first step is runners for kitchen draws...

Any other ideas / comments on this design? I think of it as the equivilent of the 'Manual Loading Naim' CD Player

Thanks,
Gaz

[baggystevo82]

Linear bearings!!!

RS sell these, and the shafts they run on. The bushings are about £25 each though but a 600mm shaft for them to run on, which i would guess is more than enough, is £16. I think farnell might do a similar thing im not sure, and there's plenty of bearing specialists out there would be able to help you. as for the damping, miniture gas struts? if these exist, these would be sweet i think as the would push the door open for you too

Steve

[baggystevo82]

Hmmmm, was it a really bad idea or something?
Steve

[Rarkov]

Sorry - not a bad idea at all! I've been finshing my dissertation & revising etc! I looked into it, but it is too expensive. However RS part code 448-5433 looks quite suitable. I would use two (one for bottom of tray, and one for side).

Thanks for the hint though. I was looking for linear actuators too, so that I could automate the opening / closing, but haven't found anything yet.

Gaz

[Magura]

To make it open and close automatically, nick a stepmotor and the toothed belt/-toothed pully's from an old matrix printer. Use a simple stepmotor driver and ....viola, you got an automatic drawer


Magura

[Magura]

To get back to the top loader idea...take a look at bang & olufsen (B & O), they have sliding doors of acryllics or the like. Thats a simple and elegant solution.

Magura

[baggystevo82]

The one that moves the print head, or the one that spins the roller (platten? cant remember what that bits called). Guess it doesn't matter too much

[Magura]

The one that moves the print head.

It even comes with nice guides and bearings that you can nick from the printhead.

Magura