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Figure 5: Early Idea of Drive Mechanism that allows for the drive mechanism to decouple from the spring-loaded linear actuator
Final Design
The final design that was decided upon is shown below in Figure 6. The mechanism shown below in Figure 6, is a three part mechanism. The green spindles are similar to a drum brake design where when they spin out they catch the top lid of the mechanism and make both the spindles and the top lid spin together as one. Then the user wants to release the motor is spun in the opposite direction where the ratchet gear catches the black gear shown and allows for the green spindle to spin in and release the top lid which is connected to the lid.
Figure 6: Decoupling mechanism used to decouple the drive motor when you want to release the mechanism and then connect the motor when you want drive the motor.
References
[1] R. Acharya, E. J. Challita, M. Ilton, and M. S. Bhamla, “The ultrafast snap of a finger is mediated by skin friction,” p. 12.
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