Calibration Device for Scintillators


 * The objective is to create a linear motion device that will calibrate a set array of scintillators using light pulses

Ideas

 * Printer disassembly and take-over of printer head linear motion through use of parallel port programming with C
 * Worm gear connected to DC motor with micro controller set up
 * Linear Rail system

Printer's Linear Motion

 * Disassembled printer casing
 * Installed cygwin on computer for C interface and read up on programming language C
 * Investigated Computer Numerical Control but found it was not useful for this application
 * Investigated serial port programming and the use of Printer Control Language on an HP printer documentation on PCL

Parallel Port Programming

 * Interfacing directly to the printer proved very challenging
 * Unsuccessfully accessed printer

Worm Gear

 * Spinning a long grooved metal cylinder gear requires a lot of torque
 * Minimal support for head motion
 * DC motor with time steps is not as effective as stepper motor

Rail System

 * Has internal motion control
 * very costly
 * Too heavy duty for this application

Belt System

 * Stepper motor with micro controller stands stationary on one end and calibration device would be connected to a slide rail system for stabilityGears 01.gif
 * We need to find something that is low cost but is accurate enough to be stopped at each fiber array block. Because the intended light source for calibration is most likely going to have a wide range, the step size does not have to be too small.
 * For support: Overhead Enclosed-Track Conveyor Bracket, linear guide rail

Motor

 * LinEngineering 1.8 Degree Motor 'WO-5718X-05E' was found to be appropriate and cost effective.

Step Size

 * With a LinEngineering 1.8 Degree Motor and a radius of .5" for the pulley, the step size would be 0.005" or 0.127mm which is well within a 2mm scintillator.

Beam Deflection

 * The deflection at the center of the slide rail is calculated using a simply end supported beam as a model with beam deflection equations considering the weight of the bar and the weight of the cart. The maximum deflection was calculated as not exceeding 6um, well within the limit for our usage.

To Do
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 * Motor Mount
 * Learn to use the controller
 * Find pressure sensor for zero marker
 * Assembly (electronic/physical)
 * Design light source on top of cart

Resources

 * Nordex Belts and Pulleys
 * McMaster-Carr Timing Belts and Pulleys
 * LinEngineering Stepper Motors
 * ThorLabs
 * Shaft Tollerances