After the first build session discussed in a previous post, the next major build session took place on March 7th. As the frame had already been assembled, the goal of this session was to affix all major non-electrical components to the frame.
Gear System Update
As discussed in a previous post, finding a suitable pair of gears for the pot rotation system was somewhat challenging. However, a set was found, purchased and delivered. The pinion from this set was fastened to the motor's shaft using the gear's setscrew. Similarly, the large gear from the set was affixed to the stepped shaft. The final version of the gear system can be seen in the image below.
Motor Mount Design and Install
A mount for the motor is required to hold the motor at a very specific angle and position such that the pinion meshes well with the gear. Additionally, the motor mount must secure the motor such that there is little play between the gears and that the reactionary forces received by the motor are supported. The motor mount was 3D printed to the exact specifications of the DC motor that was procured. The motor mount can be seen in the image below, along with the assembled gear system.
Pot Rotation Functional
Once the gearing system had been assembled and the motor mount installed, the pot could be placed into the CookMate to test the pot rotation system. After wiring up the various electronics required to power the motor, the pot rotation system was functional. The video of the functional pot rotation system can be viewed below.