Project box with a hinged lid - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 06:26:12 pm
content: As crazy as it sounds I need a project box that has a hinged lid. Or at least a box with a hinged lid. The idea is that the lid will be opened with a servo or similar mechanism. I'm not entirely sure on size yet I better ask my mad customer.

author: CM800
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 07:01:35 pm
content: Sounds like a boring project... why not have a little fun and spice up the opening mechanism.Use an electromagnet in the unit, a neodymium magnet on the lid.Charge up a small capacitor, using a disposable camera unit and dump it though the coil to launch the lid open!

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 07:20:30 pm
content: 3 words: cheap, fast and perfect. That's what she wants 100 times over. Yes I could use a coil and a magnets but the 1st step is finding the plastic box for cheap. The other thing I have considered is a drawer box. The other complication is that a dog is supposed to be slobbering about in this box retrieving a treat so in fact your idea of a magnet might be a good one as it will be easier to seal out of the way as opposed to something with a lever that needs to come out and will be vulnerable to "tongue action".

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 07:40:22 pm
content: Reminds me a bit of an old clockwork moneybox that my grandfather had. You'd sit a coin in a slot and a hand would slowly emerge from under a flap and snatch it! It might not be the desired operation, but it would quickly cure the 'tongue action' problem.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 07:41:38 pm
content: Quote from: Gyro on August 01, 2016, 07:40:22 pmWell the idea is that the dog get it's treat/food, I just need to protect the electronics and electronics from it.

author: NottheDan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 07:44:25 pm
content: Why not buy one of thosedecorative wooden chestsor boxes from the home decoration shops?

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 07:45:37 pm
content: You link is brocken

author: MosherIV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 07:48:14 pm
content: Link worked for me.It is just amazon.co.uk and a search for "wooden chest"

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 07:54:10 pm
content: It needs to be plastic so that is can be wiped out. Wood will absorb juices from the foods and soon become a horrible, smelly mouldy thing.

author: CM800
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 08:09:11 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on August 01, 2016, 07:54:10 pmBased off my idea.Take a standard plastic dog bowl.Fix a loose lid over the top of it.Put a little stick coming down the lid with a magnet on the end that rests on the bottom of the front / center of the inside of the bowel (or even the outside...)Place the electromagnet under the magnet to shoot it up, opening the lid. Have another small magnet at the back to catch the lid.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 08:19:32 pm
content: possibly, I'm not sure how tight a fit it needs to be. I think she has her heart set on a box with a lid that opens.

author: NottheDan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 08:27:46 pm
content: Might be a bit too large but what about these kind ofplastic boxes with a hinged half lid?

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 08:29:11 pm
content: no good really. Far Far too big, I needs to be a little smaller than an A5 sheet.

author: CM800
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 08:35:42 pm
content: Quote from: Simon on August 01, 2016, 08:29:11 pmThere should be someone you know or a decent priced company that could make you a little one with a vacuum former..you could even DIY it with a wooden form, a pvc sheet and a suitable cake tin.Drill a hole in the tin, cover the wood form with bar soap and put it in the tin, then put the pvc sheet over it and place it in the oven.Then quickly take it out and vacuum it down with a decent vacuum. Wait for it to cool then pull it all out.

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2016, 09:17:47 pm
content: I've picked up several metal security boxes similar tothisat the local thrift store for cheap - usually $2-4. They'll hold up better than plastic.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 02, 2016, 06:46:46 am
content: Metal is not practical and I can't go down to a local surpluss store because I am expected to make a number of these.

author: whitevamp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2016, 07:46:01 am
content: why not get a standard plastic Project box with a lid and then get some jewelry box hinges and glue them in place on the inside of the box, or plastic weld them.http://www.aliexpress.com/item/1Pcs-Popular-DIY-Plastic-Enclosure-Case-Electronics-Project-Box-Free-Shipping-Wholesale/32662452119.html?ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_7,searchweb201602_4_10057_10056_10055_10037_10049_301_10059_10033_10058_10032_10017_405_404_10060_10061_10062_412,searchweb201603_1&btsid=fe1cdef5-6cc7-465a-871d-43b238e801afboxhttps://www.amazon.com/Pack-Stanley-Brass-Ornament-Small/dp/B00ROA1PO4hinge

author: alsetalokin4017
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 02, 2016, 09:53:23 am
content: http://www.sterilite.com/SelectProduct.html?id=701&view=0&picture=1&tab=Description&ProductCategory=249&section=1