How do I create a something to move an item back and forth, about 2''? My daughter needs it for a project.

Question

I am not sure what materials we would need but I know this is possible...

More details as requested: my daughter... and yes I am not the child... is doing a social studies project on haunted New Orleans, she wants to have a chair move from one place to another and back again. I get the basic principle of how to do it, but am not familiar enough with motors, gears etc to engineer it... detailed advice would be helpful...

Answer 1

A recriprocating action will convert a rotary motion to a back and forth (up/down) motion. Like a pistion in an engine turning the crank shaft. If the crankshaft is turned instead (like when starting a car) then the pistons move up and down.

This same movment can be adapted to your use by using a small gear reduction motor. This is a motor which is geared down to turn very slowly like 1 rpm or less. The shaft or this motor is attached to a larger diameter wheel and a lever is bolted to the edge of this wheel.
The lever is allow to pivot and as the whee turns the lever is drawn back and forth. (like the locomotive example)

See links for movments.

Answer 2

Your question is too vague. What grade is this for? What is the intent of or reason for the project? Are you supposed to be applying some given rule of physics, thermodynamics, magnetism, etc? If so, which one, and to what extent? Is there a limit as to the type of materials or expenses? etc, etc, etc.

C'mon, "Dad!" You almost sound like a kid asking for help with their homework! You should be smarter than that!

P.S. You would have received far more replies if you had put this under "Education & Reference > Homework Help", but then, everyone would have realized that you're actually the "daughter" in question! ;)

Answer 3

use a wheel four inches in diameter and a guide slot similar to the action of a steam locomotive

Answer 4

a sing shot and a pillow