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Question Belt tensioning system. 1.5-2Nm. I need help picking parts.

Discussion in 'Ready, set, go - Start your engines' started by Supersausage3, Sep 8, 2021.

  1. Supersausage3

    Supersausage3 New Member

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    Here is the project concept: https://imgur.com/a/c7nb6YW [​IMG]

    So, here goes. I am building a belt tensioner and need roughly 1.5-2Nm of torque.
    I am confused as to what motor i should get, what electronics and which programs.

    Ive been looking at stepper motors, but seems like they need encoders and some stuff. The plan is to have wheel-like FFB on a seat belt tensioner. So, the harder i brake in the sim the harder the belt pulls.
    I have no idea how to approach it so im gonna be watching plenty of vids and reading lots but i would appreciate if someone could guide me in the right direction.

    First i need to get the correct hardware, and thats where im stuck.

    Thanks in advance
  2. Gadget999

    Gadget999 Well-Known Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    use a dc brushed gear motor and a H Bridge dc controller

    be careful - there may be enough force to hurt somebody !
  3. RacingMat

    RacingMat Well-Known Member Gold Contributor

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    you should include in your design if the system is reversible or not
  4. cfischer

    cfischer Active Member Gold Contributor

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    In my experience, a 4 way belt tensioner is preferred, IE all belts of a 4 belt harness are pulled at the same time for breaking.
    I accomplish this with a setup like you have plus 4 bowden cables (bike brake cables). One motor pull all 4 cables.
    The motor runs in position mode. I used a load cell to measure how much braking force I like on each belt and it came to about 60lbs each. Thats a lot of force, it takes your breath away.
    The motor I use is an aasd15a and 80st servo motor with a ball screw. This motor is overkill but the family of servo motors are really nice. I would probably buy a 60st servo for this if I was buying new. The added bonus of this config is that I can place the motor and ballscrew off the motion rig. This saves weight the system has to move.

    Once you tighten up the belt against your body the sim will pull a certain distance which translates to a certain pressure. If you want more pressure you can tighten the belts tighter when at rest.
    • Like Like x 2
  5. kennyP

    kennyP New Member Gold Contributor

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    Hi all =) Could a tensioner be made easier using an SCN 5? I have a few spare and was thinking of going that route rather than servo motor
  6. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    No reason you couldn't use SCNs if you have them, just be mindful of the force they can apply and safety related factors.
    • Like Like x 1
    • Agree Agree x 1