Introduction: IDC 2 - Automatic Page Turner

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This is an attempt at an Automatic Page turner for a book using 2 servos, an arduino uno, and a button. This was completed for a final project for a class.

My intention for the project is for it to be a portable, and simple mechanism that can be easily carried around and installed at a moments notice.

The book stand is an easy slot mechanism with holes at the top to hold the page turning mechanism.

When I first iterated on this design, I had been trying to figure out the best combinations of motors to get the motion for turning the page.

I did not realize how much motion goes into turning the page of the book so I believe I got overconfident and the design is too simple to handle turning a page. With this in mind, I am still proud of the work I was able to do.

As you can see in the gif, it does not turn the page all the way, but slightly picks it up. When I iterate on this again, I will be using a continuous servo instead of a 180 to make sure the actuator (lienear motion at the top) can travel farther across the book. I could also implement anouther servo at the bottom of the stand to grab the picked up page and drag it across.

Attachments

Supplies

Step 1: Before and After: IDC 1 Vs 2


Indy Design Challenge #1


Major changes between IDC 1 and 2 include:

  • Created book stand
  • Altered Rack and Pinion to fit in bookstand and hold an extra servo on the arm

Step 2: Rack and Pinion Updates

Here is the first iteration of the rack and pinion linear actuator I did using a DC motor: Linear Actuator


In order to accomodate for the height the linear actuator needs to sit on the bookstand, I added to the top a length in order to slide through a hole in the bookstand. I can use small clamps to adjust the height in case it is a thick book.

I also re-included the servo holders from the initial design in order for me to add a servo unit instead of using the DC motor which moved the mechanism too fast. I removed the space at the bottom for screws to save plastic and make it look less bulky. This will be sitting upside down on the book stand. I used super glue to join these pieces together.

Here was the initial design for reference: Rack and Pinion Plotter

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Step 3: Create Book Stand

In order to have the book be held at a good angle, I created this stand in Adobe Illustrator and used a laser cutter to cut it out.

This first iteration(BookStandAttempt2.pdf) is very shakey because I did not give it enough length on the legs to keep it stable when setting it down.


For the next iteration I will be including a gap where I can slide the linear actuator to position the motors properly in comparison to the book. (BookStandAttempt3-SlotsAndLonger.pdf)

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Step 4: 2 Motor System Settup

In order to start off the initial control of 2 servos, I started with the initial basecode:

https://wokwi.com/projects/356962335315431425

https://forum.arduino.cc/t/how-to-move-2-servos-in-different-directions-with-speed-control/1091643/4

I then attached the units together


2nd iteration I implemented a button mechanism

Attachments

Step 5: Put It Together

I had to sand the slots down a bit to fit the arm of the linear actuator. As well. I realized it is hard to fit a clamp in the space I left for the book stand. I will have to iterate on this for later.



Step 6: Solder Everything

Unfortunately, created the circuit board and tried to test it, nothing ended up working.