This is amazing from both a design and mechanical point of view. You could make some really cool window covers with these!
Given that you have been through the design process do you think you could produce a design with 20 blades, not just 8? I am interested in reproducing the Stargate Iris which uses 20. Also is there a intentional reason why there is a small hole in the middle when the blades close or is there a physical attribute of the mechanism that makes it impossible?
Any number of blades could be used, however there are some compromises that arise as the number is varied. The blades each span the entire aperture and overlap each other, so the overlap area gets smaller as the iris closes. This limits the minimum size the iris can close. More blades means more material across the overlap and a larger minimum hole size. The blades could be made of thinner material but then they get more fragile.
Oh, yes please do a video on how to make one of these! Years ago I converted a church into a home, and had a 6 foot round window that I wanted to cover with an iris like this, but just couldn't figure it out on my own. Thanks, this is awesome!
@keyscut: Yes, with the toothed drive belt and lots of mechanical advantage, this could easily cause injury. There is an infrared beam safety interlock circuit on the iris that was not installed when this was shot.
This isn't patentable though, since the mechanism has been in use for probably over 100 years.
If you were ever to patent it and try to sell it, one peace of advice, Install some sort of laser saftey device that stops it, like one for garage doors, when something interupts the laser beam, it instantly stops to motor, though seeing as its run by a windshield wiper motor, its not that powerful, i doubt it would hurt, but you know, just in case
If & when I get some time, I will post a video or at least a slideshow showing how it goes together. 90% of the mechanism is shown here however. The only thing not visible are the ends of the blades.
I am a machine designer & would like to incorporate an iris mechanism into one of my machines. Do you have any drawings/slideshows showing the pivot & actuated points that you would be willing to share? Thanks in advance for your consideration.
@blackcreekresearch I am a machine designer and I would like to incorporate an iris mechanism into one of my machines. Do you have any drawings/slideshows showing the details on the pivot & actuation mechanisms that you would be willing to share? Thanks in advance for your consideration.
Yes, a hand crank would also be very cool, and a little less complicated I admit. For this application I was going for a "20,000 Leagues" look, and ultimately it will be controlled with a fancy little brass lever.
This video was shot before better isolation mounts were added to the motor, so it's much less noisy now.
Hmmm You should really think about using air hydrulic or hand crank gearing on that. While I myself kinda like the motor noise (once it's recessed in the wall or housing it will be quieter) A few extraneous gears and hand operated gear wheel would be pretty cool. You only have to turn ring about a quarter turn right?
more steampunk!! let's change the world.
kiekert2007 3 months ago
The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket? Anyone?
EthanKnop 4 months ago
This is amazing from both a design and mechanical point of view. You could make some really cool window covers with these!
Given that you have been through the design process do you think you could produce a design with 20 blades, not just 8? I am interested in reproducing the Stargate Iris which uses 20. Also is there a intentional reason why there is a small hole in the middle when the blades close or is there a physical attribute of the mechanism that makes it impossible?
TheBlackEventorizon 4 months ago
@TheBlackEventorizon :
Thanks for the kind comments.
Any number of blades could be used, however there are some compromises that arise as the number is varied. The blades each span the entire aperture and overlap each other, so the overlap area gets smaller as the iris closes. This limits the minimum size the iris can close. More blades means more material across the overlap and a larger minimum hole size. The blades could be made of thinner material but then they get more fragile.
blackcreekresearch 4 months ago
@mintman: This one is just an elaborate decoration. The typical application for this mechanism is to make adjustable apertures in optical systems.
blackcreekresearch 5 months ago
what are these used for?!
mintman123456789 5 months ago
Oh, yes please do a video on how to make one of these! Years ago I converted a church into a home, and had a 6 foot round window that I wanted to cover with an iris like this, but just couldn't figure it out on my own. Thanks, this is awesome!
MrMaypole14 8 months ago
I wish my doors were all like this!
CricketboyStudios 1 year ago
@keyscut: Yes, with the toothed drive belt and lots of mechanical advantage, this could easily cause injury. There is an infrared beam safety interlock circuit on the iris that was not installed when this was shot.
This isn't patentable though, since the mechanism has been in use for probably over 100 years.
blackcreekresearch 1 year ago
If you were ever to patent it and try to sell it, one peace of advice, Install some sort of laser saftey device that stops it, like one for garage doors, when something interupts the laser beam, it instantly stops to motor, though seeing as its run by a windshield wiper motor, its not that powerful, i doubt it would hurt, but you know, just in case
keyscul 1 year ago
If & when I get some time, I will post a video or at least a slideshow showing how it goes together. 90% of the mechanism is shown here however. The only thing not visible are the ends of the blades.
Thanks for the kind comments.
blackcreekresearch 1 year ago
@blackcreekresearch
I am a machine designer & would like to incorporate an iris mechanism into one of my machines. Do you have any drawings/slideshows showing the pivot & actuated points that you would be willing to share? Thanks in advance for your consideration.
xxNickVxx 1 year ago
@blackcreekresearch I am a machine designer and I would like to incorporate an iris mechanism into one of my machines. Do you have any drawings/slideshows showing the details on the pivot & actuation mechanisms that you would be willing to share? Thanks in advance for your consideration.
xxNickVxx 1 year ago
Very nice!. Could you please show us the inner mechanism?. Thank you.
Areldrich 1 year ago
@Br3akTh3W1nd: Very little force is required to actuate it. With the motor decoupled, I can open and close it with one finger.
blackcreekresearch 1 year ago
damn that should really heat up the motor.
Br3akTh3W1nd 1 year ago
Walter: Closing iris
racer927 1 year ago
that would look cool with a bright red light behide it closing like a robot
ownerfate 1 year ago
I want to see how your blades are manipulated
srhn8860 1 year ago
how do you make one of thoese?
Zetapodius394 1 year ago
how do you make a thing like that?
Zetapodius394 1 year ago
I'm waiting for the DIY video.....You should really do it....!!
I want to make a motorized iris for dimming solar light.
raminka13 2 years ago
AMAZING!!!!!!!!!
now for an instructional video on how to make one of these beauties for your very own?
yesthankyouplease?
DrummingMonkey13 2 years ago 2
Yes, a hand crank would also be very cool, and a little less complicated I admit. For this application I was going for a "20,000 Leagues" look, and ultimately it will be controlled with a fancy little brass lever.
This video was shot before better isolation mounts were added to the motor, so it's much less noisy now.
blackcreekresearch 2 years ago
Hmmm You should really think about using air hydrulic or hand crank gearing on that. While I myself kinda like the motor noise (once it's recessed in the wall or housing it will be quieter) A few extraneous gears and hand operated gear wheel would be pretty cool. You only have to turn ring about a quarter turn right?
BaconLettucePickles 2 years ago
Shiny!!
BaconLettucePickles 2 years ago