Looking for advice on how to automate the opening mechanism of a metal security bar. Any insights would be appreciated.
You could attach a smart servo to the door above it about a foot and attach a wire that lifts it. It wouldn’t look particularly good, but it would be functional.
It might be easier to remove the bar and add some reinforcement to the deadbolt and door latch strike plate if there’s a particular concern about security. The main strength of this bar seems to be from a few screws in the door frame near the deadbolt.
@Rebecca
The left part of the bar is attached to the door, not the frame or the wall. It’s not adding any more security than a standard deadbolt would.
Anything can be automated with enough effort and the right tools.
In the world of automation, nearly everything is possible with the right setup.
The function of the bar when opened probably holds it up to allow exit, then locks when the door closes. Automating this would involve a mechanism to lift the bar and lock it in place, which complicates the design but is feasible.
Consider a powered rotating disc setup, like an ‘automated Lazy Susan’. Attach a stud to it that lifts the bar as it rotates. It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s a starting point for automation.
A few ideas: A DC motor attached to the back of the door could lift the bar via a wire spool, or maybe embed the bar in the door with guides and use a motor or servo to move it.
Alternatively, a DC motor with an encoder or another sensor to detect the correct height could work, or perhaps a mechanism that signals when the bar is fully lifted.
Automating a metal bar to open could be feasible with some clever engineering.
Automating this might not yield an aesthetically pleasing result. And honestly, asking on this forum might suggest it’s not a project easily tackled alone.
MR.GREEN said:
Automating this might not yield an aesthetically pleasing result. And honestly, asking on this forum might suggest it’s not a project easily tackled alone.
Just because someone asks for advice here doesn’t mean they lack skill. Everyone starts somewhere.
@Stefan
In my experience, the complexity often means a lack of prior knowledge, especially with something like actuators involved.
MR.GREEN said:
@Stefan
In my experience, the complexity often means a lack of prior knowledge, especially with something like actuators involved.
Judging someone’s skill level from an online query isn’t accurate. Actuators aren’t that complex; by your logic, your understanding is quite basic.
@Stefan
I’ll be waiting to see the person who posted this come up with a working solution. I’m not expecting much.