I need to spray paint onto the ground at regular intervals. I’ve got all the logic figured out, it’s just the control mechanism I need help with please.
Specifically, this is the sort of can of spray paint I need to use: https://www.bunnings.com.au/dy-mark-350g-white-spray-and-mark-paint_p1661104?srsltid=AfmBOoqdXKosJhiQZUJ79kyLE-smH_5FP_Ib9qICdlt6uMF_rR0AdQOP
(There is a small segment of the top of the can that you press down on to get the paint to come out)
I was thinking of using a linear actuator with a metal rod or bar or even 3D-printed plastic on the end of the actuator, so that when the actuator is retracted, it pulls the bar in. This would then press the button on the top of the can. The entire assembly would then be inverted (so the can is facing down onto the ground). (The actuator would be commanded to extend in order to stop spraying paint)
I have quite a bit of experience with Linux and Raspberry Pi systems, specifically. I also have a bunch of other stuff going on in the immediate vicinity of where the paint cans will go so for other reasons, I already have a Raspberry Pi there that I could use to control the actuator.
However, I have absolutely no experience whatsoever with anything that moves, and no experience with GPIO pins specifically.
What parts do I need to make this all work?
Are there any better ideas for how to achieve this?
(I have seen various guides for controlling actuators using an Arduino and a motor controller, but I’d rather not go down that path as I’ve never used an Arduino and as explained above, I already have a Raspberry Pi that will be in the same rough area as the can of paint, so would prefer to just use that)
I also looked at linear solenoids, but they seem to have very small throw, probably not long enough to actually depress the button on the top of the spray paint can. Is there some way around this problem?
Thanks in advance.
Dave
