I want to make a project where an RFID tag locks and unlocks a small (maybe 8"x5"x5" jewelry box.
I have figured out how to make an RFID reader accept or reject a tag and have ordered the RFID reader. Now i need to work on the locking mechanism.
I was thinking that the arduino will drive a small motor that turns a lock open or closed, but i can seem to find any locks online that are small (like made for jewelry boxes) and can be driven with a motor.
Any help on buying or making a locking mechanism would be greatly appreciated!
How strong do you need it to be ?
One option would be to find a solenoid, where the moving part sticks out when it is unpowered, and pulls in when it is energised.
Another option would be to get a servo which rotates a component into a slot which prevents the device opening.
Another option would be to get one of the tiny devices where a motor turns a screw which pushes a fixed nut along the screw and use that to propel a locking rod.
The difficulty then is to arrange things so that any physical load caused by someone trying to crowbar the lid open, doesn't get transmitted to, and destroy, the delicate operating mechanism.
Look at this video.
There is a bunch more, like this. You can build such a gadget and then propel it with a servo or stepper motor.
michinyon:
How strong do you need it to be ?
Not extremel strong, i suppose just strong enough so the box doesn't open and close willy-nilly. I am not extremely concerned about intruders, just strong enough not to break easily.
michinyon:
One option would be to find a solenoid, where the moving part sticks out when it is unpowered, and pulls in when it is energised.
This seems like it would take up a lot of space in the box and also consume a lot of power. Can you link to someone explaining using this.
michinyon:
Another option would be to get a servo which rotates a component into a slot which prevents the device opening.
This is an idea i had, but i am not sure how exactly i would implement it, also i dont know how strong these servos are and if they would make a lot of noise. Are there any demonstrations of this?
michinyon:
Another option would be to get one of the tiny devices where a motor turns a screw which pushes a fixed nut along the screw and use that to propel a locking rod.
I am having a really hard time picturing this. What do you mean by "turns a screw which pushes a fixed nut along the scrrew and use that to propel a locking rod"? What is a locking rod? How does this work?
michinyon:
The difficulty then is to arrange things so that any physical load caused by someone trying to crowbar the lid open, doesn't get transmitted to, and destroy, the delicate operating mechanism.
I am not extremely concerned about this, it isnt supposed to be a lock-box replacement, more of a cute gesture with a nifty twist for my girlfriend.
michinyon:
Look at this video.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ8WRDVgKrk
There is a bunch more, like this. You can build such a gadget and then propel it with a servo or stepper motor.
This is super cool! But making one of these seems over complicated for what i am trying to do, i feel as though there are much simpler solutions. But thanks for sharing this, it is really neat!