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Pneumatic
is the science and technology of using air* pressure to
transmit force and mechanical energy. Pneumatic tools
can be found in most mechanic shops and factories. Many
automated machinery use pneumatics to control the moving
parts.
In this
project you will make a mechanical lift using two
syringes. One used as a pump to create pressurized air and the
other used to create a mechanical movement and lifting a
load.
| This would be
very similar to how dump trucks work. Dump
trucks typically have one cylinder that lift the
bed. The pressure inside this cylinder is
usually from oil pumped into the cylinder. This
method is called hydraulic. Instead of oil we
will use air and call it pneumatic. |
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*Other
gases may also be used in pneumatic systems.
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For
students ages 8 and above. Adult supervision and support
is required.
Warning:
This kit contains small and sharp pieces that can cause
a choking hazard and death if swallowed. Keep out of
reach of small children at all times. |
List of
Materials
Materials you need for the
construction of a pneumatic lift are listed below. The
same materials come in a kit from MiniScience.com. If you have
purchased a kit, please verify the kit content to make sure that
you have all the materials before you start. Wood glue is needed
but not included in the kit. You will also need a small Philips
screw driver and a ruler or measuring tape. Additional optional
materials may be used to enhance this model.
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Quantity |
Description |
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6 |
7” long wood
(4 with hole) |
|
6 |
3.5” long wood |
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4 |
1.5” long wood
|
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2 |
Wood dowels |
|
1 |
Flat Wood
(base for clamp) |
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2 |
Syringe (1
with hole) |
|
1 |
Clamp (to hold
syringe) |
|
1 |
12” Tube (to
connect syringes) |
|
10 |
O rings |
|
1 |
Hinge or
Hinges with screws |
|
0 |
Wood Glue |
|
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Purpose:
This is an engineering and
technology project. The purpose of this project is to build a
working model of a basic pneumatic lift. Students will learn
about the concept and practice of pneumatics, transfer of energy, changing
the direction of force, measurements, reading and following
technical instructions, use of tools, craft skills for
construction of a wooden model. Students will be evaluated by
the precision, function and appearance of their model as well as
their understanding about pneumatics. Additional creativity,
problem solving skills and
input in design will be a plus and may qualify for extra
credit.
Instructions:
1.
Make the Top Frame (Moving Frame or Lift)
Locate two of the 7”
long wood blocks with holes and two of the 3.5” wood
blocks. Place the pieces next to each other as shown in
this diagram. Make sure that the holes on the 7” wood
blocks are lined up and the width of the frame is 3.5".
Also make sure that the pieces are connected in a right
(90º) angle. Glue the pieces together to make your first
frame. Give it enough time for glue to dry (usually more
than one hour). |
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2.
Make the Main Frame
The main frame consists
of two separate frames connected to each other using 4
of the 1.5" wood blocks. Start by making one frame
exactly the same as the top frame. Then make another
frame similar to the top frame but without holes.
Finally use the 1.5" long wood blocks to connect these
two frames to each other. The completed main frame
must look like the image on the right. |
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3.
Prepare the mounting base for the clamp and lower
cylinder.
Insert a wood dowel in
the holes of the main frame and center it. Place the
flat wood block under the wood dowel and center it as
shown. Apply glue to both sides of the wood dowel
touching the flat wood block. Allow the glue to dry
before moving the main frame.
Once the wood
dowel and the flat wood block are glued together, you
can lift the base and turn the wood around and mount the
clamp on it. Note that the clamp has a self-adhesive
bottom. Remove the protective film of the adhesive pad
and place the clamp on the wood block. Apply some
pressure to secure it. The glue at
the bottom of the clamp is not very strong. It is a good
idea to wrap the clamp base and flat wood block with
cable tie or steel wire for additional strength.
|
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4.
Connect Syringes to each other
In one of the syringes
(with hole on the shaft) push the piston all the way in
to empty all the air. In the other syringe (with no hole
on the shaft) pull the piston outward until it stops.
Use the clear plastic tube to connect the two syringes
to each other. Push the plastic tube and syringe firmly
into each other to form a strong sealed connection. |
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5.
Mount the hinge or hinges
You may use one large
hinge or two smaller hinges to connect the lift (top
frame) to the base (main frame). Start by placing
the lift frame on the main frame and align all the
sides. Place the hinge so that the axle of the hinge is
right over the seam between the two frames. Mark the holes
for the screws. Then use a pin to punch pilot holes for the
screws and then mount the hinge. Installation of the
hinge requires attention and precision. If you
have one hinge, place it in the center. If you have two
hinges, mount them near the sides.
Note that the holes on
the lift (top frame) must be close to the hinge while
the holes of the base are toward the ground and away
from the hinge. |
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| In this image you can
see the completed wood frame without the plastic clamp
and syringes. |
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6.
Mount the lifting cylinder
The syringe with a hole
on the shaft is used as a lifting cylinder and must be
installed inside the main frame. Pass the lifting
cylinder through the front small opening until the hole
of the shaft is aligned with the hole on the lift. Pass
a wood dowel from the holes to connect the shaft to the
lift. |
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| Now secure the lower
part of the syringe with the plastic clamp on the
mounting base. If you have not
already attached the clamp to the mounting base, you can
do it now. You may need to practice with the clamp and
see how it can hold the syringe snugly before mounting
it. |
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| At this time you may
also use other methods to tighten the contact of the
clamp with its base. The image on the right shows how
cable ties may be used for this purpose. Some may use
strong glues or steel wires for this purpose. The
pressure on the clamp is high and it is a good idea to use additional materials to strengthen its
connection to the base. This may
not be needed if you are not testing your pneumatic lift
with heavy loads. |
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7.
Do the final touch
The wood dowels and the
shaft of the lifting cylinder may slide to the left and
right. To keep them in place insert a few O-rings over
the wood dowels where you deem needed. You will usually need
two o-rings for the sides of the lifting cylinder shaft.
You will also need one o-ring where the shaft exits
the frame.
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8. Test
your pneumatic lift
The syringe outside of the main
frame is used as a pump to control the air pressure (gas pressure). Move
the shaft of the outside syringe in and out to see how your lift
works.
| If you don't have this
kit, you can order it now! It is available both as a single
pack and class pack. Kit content may be different from the
images shown in this page.
Secure
Online Store
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