Help! Smoke Generator(Powder) for RC electric planes

[cdfigueredo]

Looks like there's a bit of waisted space where the front piece and the next piece back are. You could try integrating the holder for the valve on the front most section to get rid of the dead space if you're worried about that

I don't see how to move the valve to the most front section due to it has to be linked to the servo. Anyway I will think about because u are right about the amount of waisted space.

 

[Matthewdupreez]

@cdfigueredo I think I've figured out how you can close off the rear outlet, using the servo...
Quick 10second sketch... Let me know if you don't get what I'm trying to show.
View attachment DSC_1445.JPG

 

[cdfigueredo]

@cdfigueredo I think I've figured out how you can close off the rear outlet, using the servo...
Quick 10second sketch... Let me know if you don't get what I'm trying to show.
View attachment 219714

Hey Matthewdupreez, thanks for the input.
I thought about this idea too and I was almost decided to implement it, but the main problem with that is the assembly process. But yes, that is a good one. Just need to figure it out how to make it easy to implement

 

[Matthewdupreez]

Hey Matthewdupreez, thanks for the input.
I thought about this idea too and I was almost decided to implement it, but the main problem with that is the assembly process. But yes, that is a good one. Just need to figure it out how to make it easy to implement

I think make 2 little tabs that you secure with screws over that rear flap rotation shaft .. then the control horns and pushrods must be installed before you glue it together

 

[Piotrsko]

That's impressive. It's elegant. I would remote mount the servo and either run flex rod or string system as that would give more options on smoker placement on the airplane. Could use remote camera shutter cables or bicycle brake cables. You could make it from a couple of 1/2 liter or smaller plastic soda bottles. Doesn't the exit hole need to be bigger than the entrance hole?

 

[cdfigueredo]

I think make 2 little tabs that you secure with screws over that rear flap rotation shaft .. then the control horns and pushrods must be installed before you glue it together

I am working on a new combined mechanism that will save space and be more robust. will share it now

 

[cdfigueredo]

That's impressive. It's elegant. I would remote mount the servo and either run flex rod or string system as that would give more options on smoker placement on the airplane. Could use remote camera shutter cables or bicycle brake cables. You could make it from a couple of 1/2 liter or smaller plastic soda bottles. Doesn't the exit hole need to be bigger than the entrance hole?

Good idea on that. Servo should be remote mount!!!! that will make the system ligher and the pilon shorter!!! Thanks for the tip.
I am not sure about the relation between the inlet and outle diameters...

 

[cdfigueredo]

Thinking yesterday about some of NM156's suggestions about adding multiple inlet holes and Matthewdupreez's suggestion to combine the locking mechanisms mechanically, I came up with this idea.
Remove the valve that regulates the inlet and add the green piece shown in the picture. This piece rotates on its axis opening and closing both gates. (I cut out the blue piece to better understand the idea.)

Rotating the green piece 45 degrees aligns the holes with the outlet of the vortex generator and aligns the outlet slots of the blue piece with the slots of the green piece allowing the mixture to escape.

 

[Piotrsko]

Better method with the rotary inlet. Outlet needs to be bigger than inlet to flow while adding the powder or even sucking it out.

 

[cdfigueredo]

Better method with the rotary inlet. Outlet needs to be bigger than inlet to flow while adding the powder or even sucking it out.

I will increase the outlet as u suggest!!!

 

[Tench745]

This seems like it would benefit from being a venturi of some sort. A large inlet to force air in that tapers down to a narrow point where the powder gets drawn into the airflow, then enlarges again slightly at the exit to reduce turbulence and drag.

 

[cdfigueredo]

This seems like it would benefit from being a venturi of some sort. A large inlet to force air in that tapers down to a narrow point where the powder gets drawn into the airflow, then enlarges again slightly at the exit to reduce turbulence and drag.

That was my first thought, using Venturi effect to drawn the powder but i think the airflow has no pressure enough for that. This works perfectly for an aerographer because it works with a compressor pressurizing the air. Not sure we can recreate this here

 

[Tench745]

That was my first thought, using Venturi effect to drawn the powder but i think the airflow has no pressure enough for that. This works perfectly for an aerographer because it works with a compressor pressurizing the air. Not sure we can recreate this here

I mean, you have the airspeed of the plane. Some full size aircraft have venturi tubes to generate vacuum for the instruments and so far as I know those function all the way down to stall speed which is usually within the speed range of many model airplanes. Maybe If you combined the venturi with a ram-air type intake that would pressurize the capsule which holds the powder and help push it through into the venturi.
Just brainstorming here.
I'm excited to see how this project turns out.

 

[Matthewdupreez]

Can't wait!! Will def get this printed asap once it's done.. can't print the prototype, as it'll be about expensive to do 2 prints . Will get the final product printed for sure.

(Have to use the printer at our stationary shop)

 

[cdfigueredo]

I mean, you have the airspeed of the plane. Some full size aircraft have venturi tubes to generate vacuum for the instruments and so far as I know those function all the way down to stall speed which is usually within the speed range of many model airplanes. Maybe If you combined the venturi with a ram-air type intake that would pressurize the capsule which holds the powder and help push it through into the venturi.
Just brainstorming here.
I'm excited to see how this project turns out.

Got it! Can u provide a sketch or something??? Please?

 

[cdfigueredo]

Can't wait!! Will def get this printed asap once it's done.. can't print the prototype, as it'll be about expensive to do 2 prints . Will get the final product printed for sure.

(Have to use the printer at our stationary shop)

I am very close to have a second prototype ready to print, but it has to be printed/tested, we need someone with a 3D printer at home here

 

[Matthewdupreez]

@KN4IUU you have a 3 d printer right?

 

[Piotrsko]

The venturi I had on my Pacer only worked above 60 mph straight and level flight for at least 5 minutes, but that got me 5" vacuum as soon as it saw 60, not much until that speed. Had to placard the gyro driven instruments stating that restriction.

Then you have the issue of adding the powder to the flow through the venturi which is a can of worms in its own way. I think the method currently used is probably the most efficient without a pump.

 

[cdfigueredo]

The venturi I had on my Pacer only worked above 60 mph straight and level flight for at least 5 minutes, but that got me 5" vacuum as soon as it saw 60, not much until that speed. Had to placard the gyro driven instruments stating that restriction.

Then you have the issue of adding the powder to the flow through the venturi which is a can of worms in its own way. I think the method currently used is probably the most efficient without a pump.

I think I agree 100% here. Anyway we are open to new proposals.

 

[FlamingRCAirplanes]

@KN4IUU you have a 3 d printer right?

I do, been thinking about printing this...