Depressing an Aerosol Can

[spassonbalt]

Hi there -

I am hoping to make a simple project that presses upon an aerosol can, something like an air freshener. It doesn't have to be particularly precise - and in fact, I would like to solve for a "lowest common denominator" - something that would work on a bunch of different types of cans.

I'm relatively comfortable from the Arduino programming side of this project, but I'm not entirely sure the best approach for the mechanism. I've seen some recommendations for servos, actuators, and solenoids - but I'm not sure I understand the differences and details enough to design this project.

Can anyone help get me oriented in the right direction? Thanks!

[Paul_KD7HB]

Such a project begins by measuring the pressure needed to operate the can. Then you can know for sure what is needed.

[xfpd]

@spassonbalt

get me oriented

Set a timer to actuate the servo. Fin.
[edited]

[anon92864395]

Note that you should probably take the straw thingy out of the bottle.....(For upside down)
Servos seem like the simplest way.

[baffled2023]

I needed the same mech.... I went to Poundland and bought a (£2?) automatic room air freshener.
It triggered a can of air freshener every so often with a small servo mech.
I just robbed that