I am developing a Random Positioning Machine (RPM) to simulate and test microgravity environments. I previously followed a 3D-printed design that utilized FS90R continuous rotation servos, but my requirements are much more demanding. I need to run this experiment continuously for 72 hours (3 days).
I have already tried using MG90S and MG996R servos, but they were neither effective nor durable enough for long-term continuous operation. They suffer from overheating and jitter issues over time. I am now considering switching to Stepper Motors (NEMA 17) for better torque and reliability, but I have a few concerns:
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Weight & Structural Integrity: Stepper motors are significantly heavier than servos. I am unsure if a 3D-printed frame can handle the weight and vibration of two NEMA 17 motors over 72 hours. Should I transition to a metal/aluminum frame, or would a belt-driven system (keeping the motors stationary or off-axis) be a better approach to reduce the load on the moving parts?
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Mechanical Design: How should I approach the design to ensure the inner frame can rotate freely without putting excessive stress on the motor shafts?
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Measuring Microgravity: Can I accurately measure or verify the simulated microgravity using an accelerometer (like the MPU6050)? Is a standard IMU sufficient for this purpose, or are there more specialized sensors I should consider?
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Simulation: Is there a way to simulate the RPM’s motion profile or the resulting gravity vectors before building the physical prototype?
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For better understanding : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz8sjB6MxHA&lc=UgwBTe0DjozxPRrxCD14AaABAg.AVGwxJA2XgjAVHA9UJ054o
