The Clear Walk project is progressing a bit slowly due to lack of parts and trying to find low cost solutions, but definitely seeing some effort expended.
This past week I have been struggling to devise a 2-axis rotation mechanism for my mirror. Most options that might be strong enough and large enough seem to be very expensive. However, I think I finally came up with a solution that may be feasible on a budget.
I can scrounge an old bicycle and use the front fork and steering race assembly. If I invert the fork and mount the mirrors on the axle, it will provide rotation in the elevation axis. The steering race, which will be the central pivot on the bottom, will provide rotation in the azimuth axis. If I mount a rear axle in the fork, the drive sprocket will provide a way to apply torque to the elevation axis. The bearings in the axle will allow low friction rotation in the elevation axis. The bearings in the steering race are thrust bearings which will support the weight of the mirror apparatus while still allowing low friction rotation in the azimuth axis.
I have managed to get Corel Draw back up and running, so I can at least sketch out the fork and steering assembly.
This quick sketch shows a mirror panel on each side of the fork and axle. The drive chain is not shown since it has not been finalized.
Some parts have started to arrive - I have a 12 V solar panel, a drive belt (normally used in a 3D printer), some flexible couplings, a worm gear motor and a DC-DC power converter to convert 12 VDC to 24 VDC.
I also have a tentative solution for a stable base to mount the apparatus on, but it will need a paint job. Attachment of the steering race to the base is definitely going to be a challenge. I still haven't taken the plunge and bought the mirrors (they are expensive) and there are still lots of details and materials missing from the drive chain and mounting structure. I have my old bike that I can rip apart for the fork and axle, although it seems a shame to destroy a working bike, even if it is 38 years old.
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The full set of Clear Walk project blogs can be found here:
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