Questions tagged [mechanical]
The mechanical tag has no usage guidance.
162 questions
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Clearance BGA package to Heatsink's Mounting Holes
In my design I have a BGA-package FGPA (Xilinx Artix-7) on which a custom heatsink must be mounted. The heatsink has to be screwed to the PCB. I am worried about damage to the solder joints of the ...
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2
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61
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How can I mount a PCB to a flexible housing?
I am working on a heating pad with a flexible housing so that it can wrap around parts of the body in certain ways. My PCB will be a normal rigid board, but the housing will resemble a silicone ice ...
4
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1
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173
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Small-ish (sub-centimeter) latching/locking connector for multiple (~4) isolated wires not bundled into the same plug
This is more mechanics than electronics but I didn't find a StackExchange site that would be better fit for it, so here goes:
I'm wondering if there is a type of "standard" connector that ...
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3
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3k
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USB A mechanical orientation?
This concerns a USB A socket on a PCB.
Is there a standard or preferred orientation of the polarization tab, either up or down?
The picture shows one with tab towards the top
- 14.3k
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1
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88
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Can I safely "home" a 24BYJ28 geared stepper by ramming it into the limit?
I am building a toolchanger for my 3D printer and I want to use a 24BYJ28 geared stepper motor for the tool changer.
When I power up the machine, the machine doesn't know the current position of the ...
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2
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65
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Tension load cell options
I'm designing something similar to an electronic hanging scale (think a heavy object on the bottom, with a scale attached immediately above it). I am not that familiar with what the most typical way ...
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2
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2
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426
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Footprint for potentiometer with support pins
I am trying to add this:
potentiometer to my design. As you can see, it also has two pins in order to support it structurally. This is the datasheet if anyone is interested:
https://www.tme.eu/...
- 1,399
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1
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499
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Using a Relay Driver with SRD 3V Relay
Short Version: How to connect (Which Terminals Go Where) the following two components
DRDC3105 (A relay driver)
SRD 03VDC SL C (A 3V relay supposed to control the flow of 230V AC and controlled by ...
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10
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4k
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Freely rotating part that conducts electricity to fixed part - does this exist?
Planning a design that has a 12V voltage source connected to a physical part that rotates.
I need to conduct electricity from the rotating part to a fixed part which is connected (electrically ...
- 461
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2
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71
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Can a vertical multiwatt package be bent to lie horizontal after it is installed?
I am working on a project with a multiwatt package audio amplifier IC.
Can this component be bent over to lie horizontal, flush with the PCB, after it is soldered into place?
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63
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uSD-card PCB front edge smoothing
Looking for the appropriate (best) technology to smooth or coat the PCB surface to minimize uSD-card connector pint wear-out.
Here's the layout
The uSD-card specification is
uSD cards, to my ...
- 7,152
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82
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How can I replace a mechanical switch with an electrical switch?
The following switch in the attached picture is as follows: pin 1 and 2 connected all the time. when switch is pressed pin 3 is connected as well to pin 1 and 2 (all pins are connected.
How can I ...
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1
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89
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Micro-SD card insertion should not be detected
I will be inserting something else (video adapter board) into the micro-sd card slot. The device will operate for output only, and there will be no feedback on what actually is inserted into the micro-...
- 7,152
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3
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519
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Cable becoming twisted
I was an audio technician and mobile DJ before retiring after 31 years of working, eight years ago. I NEVER coil any type of cable around my elbow, even household zipcord. Sometimes I do with cheap ...
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1
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123
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Drawbacks and disadvantages of insulated metal substrate PCBs
Insulated metal substrate (IMS) PCBs, with variants and names including aluminium base, metal clad printed circuit board (MCPCB) and thermally conductive PCBs have some sought-after features in terms ...
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2
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80
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Advice for an experiment [closed]
I am thinking to do an experiment which is a piston crank mechanism that works on the magnetic force attraction and repulsion.
I want to place a stationary ferromagnetic bar in a coil of wire near the ...
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2k
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What was this completely destroyed piece?
Yesterday morning, I was preparing my tiller pilot (auto pilot for small boats) but it sounded like something was loose inside. When I opened it up, I found a damaged rubber sealing and the piece in ...
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What is the purpose of these strange patterns in i/o port panel of GPU card? [closed]
Ref: https://www.techspot.com/article/1988-anatomy-graphics-card/
The left side pattern seems to get it attached to Graphics card slot- but not sure why those flanges are required.
Absolutely no ...
- 3,156
2
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2
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130
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Designation "2-" in a technical drawing of a component
What does the encircled "2-" designate in the technical drawing below? Is it some standardized/common designation of something? "R" stands for the radius, and the numbers refers to ...
- 1,407
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3
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58
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Does the length of a pad's edge include the radius?
I'm making a footprint for a part, and I'm unsure how the length of an edge is defined.
I've circled in red the two dimensions that are confusing me.
For example, does the 0.1 indicate the length of ...
- 438
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47
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2
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2
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384
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Normally open pushbutton that remains closed until fully released [closed]
Description of desired item
I'm looking for a button component that is normally open, stays open while pushing it, closes when the maximum travel distance is reached, and then stays closed until fully ...
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2
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2
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203
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How to draw detailed assembly outline
How do you draw this detailed mechanical/assembly outline? I saw this at this pdf from Altium
https://resources.altium.com/sites/default/files/uberflip_docs/file_1195.pdf
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3
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2k
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Mechanical construction of PCB. What is between the layers?
I came across an answer about the construction of a multilayer board. It included an image showing the mechanical construction of a board (see image 1.)
This prompted me to think of the actual ...
- 203
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2
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461
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How can I turn this motor in CW or CCW direction using a DC supply mechanically?
I want to Move this small metal plate attached to the motor from point A to point B if initially, it was touching point A AND from point B to point A if initially, the plate was touching B
[See the ...
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1
answer
52
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How do I convert a switch’s single output into a double output per keypress?
I am new to electronics compared to many here I’m sure, but I have some experience with Arduinos and basic circuits and PCBs. If for example I had two mechanical keyboard switches wired up to an ...
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8
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4k
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How can I solder or mount this potentiometer on a PCB?
I need to use this potentiometer:
(Vishay 534-11103)
…on my board but I don't know how I can do that. I appreciate any ideas or replacement suggestions.
Manufacturer's datasheet link here.
As asked ...
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3
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1
answer
209
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Flex Cracking for 0402 MLCCs
Is there any data to show that 0402s are relatively flex crack resistant due to their size?
I can find lots of references about 0805 and larger capacitors cracking due to board flex, but I can't find ...
- 5,626
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0
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57
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Why should we choose to go for a smaller motor (4.5 kW vs 6 kW) for go-cart?
We are thinking of using a 4.5 kW motor and not a 6 kW one. Due to some constraints and rules, the maximum power a motor can have is 6 kW. So why is it recommended to use a smaller motor? And does it ...
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Why use kapton tape?
I have noticed a lot of electronics use kapton tape in places where a heat resistant tape isn't necessary. Why is that so? Is it just because it's a good adhesive?
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237
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How do I make a DC motor rotate clockwise for a random value, then rotate counter-clockwise for the same amount autonomously? [closed]
For my project I need to build a repeatable vehicle without using any programmable devices (eg: Arduino, microcontrollers etc) After activation, the vehicle needs to move straight towards a wall which ...
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4
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283
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Dual photo transistor component reference (like used in old mechanical mouses)
Context : I'm trying to implement a way to detect the rotation speed of a motor (no problem) and also get it's direction.
I know all the basics, don't worry :) (placement difference between 2 photo ...
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64
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Axis of Euler rotation matrix
I'm searching the way to measure rotational displacement by using Euler rotational matrix.
And I could find various information about it.
Then I've found something wrong with reference axis.
In the ...
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53
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Can we use the sawstop concept for metallic doors as well for home? If not how can we protect from door finger injuries? [closed]
Is it possible to apply the Sawstop concept where the system induces small current and monitors changes when human finger is inserted? If not what are the nest ways [for metallic doors that closes ...
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1
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133
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Electronic components that can pull a string around 5cm and then suddenly release it?
I have very basic electronics knowledge. I'm looking to build a very simple circuit that pulls on a string which will start a pendulum swing.
I was initially thinking using of a using linear solenoid ...
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2
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82
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What interesting application areas utilise electrical engineering simulation tools, e.g modelling mechanical analogues? [closed]
Electrical simulation methods have been developed extensively to simulate electrical and electronic circuits. It is commonly recognised that there are electrical analogs to mechanical components ...
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Mechanical to electrical power conversion calculations [closed]
I'm working on an electrical power generation project , where the prime mover's shaft rotation speed is variable (for example a wind turbine). We have an initial guess at the optimal speed and torque ...
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1
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How does this slide switch work?
I want to use this slide switch SL13-213C (DP3T) (Datasheet), but I'm not sure about how the connector work.
The first image on the left comes from the datasheet. The rest is my understanding. Is it ...
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2
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Aren't actuators mechanical devices, and so aren't they part of the mechanical system?
I am currently studying Mechatronics: Electronic Control Systems in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, seventh edition, by William Bolton. Chapter 1 Introducing Mechatronics has the following ...
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Is this scenario an efficient way of generating electricity?
I will try my best in order to provide information which could help you imagine the scenario. Accurate results are not compulsory.
I am generating electricity using a 5kW alternator but for the ...
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2
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Varying PMDC motor shaft rpm, how does it affect efficiency?
I am working on a project to harvest electrical power from a rowing machine by connecting a permanent magnet DC motor to the flywheel of the rower. However, my knowledge of electrical motors, and ...
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3
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65
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Persistent Mechanical Feedback
I am looking for a device (preferably in a small form factor) that can provide feedback for the user even after the power has been removed from the PCB (No, I don't want a battery powered solution.). (...
- 561
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4
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1k
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Supporting SMT electrolytic capacitors in high vibration environments
I recently experienced a situation where an engine ECU failed. The post-failure analysis showed that two capacitors had broken loose from the board due to stress from vibration. I have replaced the ...
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Mechanical Circuit Analog Question
I'm doing a practice problem from https://6002.catsoop.org/F19/ex11/mechanical_analog
The problem is as follows: A mass m = 10 kg is at rest on a horizontal plane with viscous friction coefficient B =...
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1k
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How to create a mechanical vibration?
I need to create a system which will make vibrate horizontally a plastic tube of diameter 4cm, of height 3cm, which axis is vertical, and whose weight is 11g. The frequency should be modifiable ...
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16k
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Driving relay directly from optocoupler, what is best?
I'm designing a smart socket using an ESP-32 and a mechanical relay that can drive 5A at 240VAC. Following typical relay driving circuits, I would like to use an optocoupler between the MCU and relay. ...
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1
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145
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When to use a terminal pin?
Would you ever be advised to solder hookup wire to a terminal pin (and maybe sleeve it with heat shrink) instead of soldering it directly to the PCB?
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1
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349
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20A or 30A fuse in 200A fuse clips -- is nesting reducers OK?
So, I am trying to figure out the cleanest way to make a 20A or 30A tap from a 200A circuit (single hot + neutral) that is being run through a fusible safety switch (NEMA style, as this is in the USA),...
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59
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simple design for mechanized home automation devices to stop at limits [closed]
can you point me to any existing designs or ideas for simple DIY type mechanism to ... for example... roll up/ roll down a motorized movie screen and stop when it gets to some specific limits.
i ...
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PCI card electromechanical specification
I am making an old PCI (5V) form factor card for a product, and am having a hard time finding any sort of reliable drawing showing the official dimensions of the gold fingers, key cutouts, and their ...
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