Hi all, I was hoping for some early design decisions on a little project that I'm hoping to get started on this summer after I graduate. I'm an electrical engineer with some knowledge of programming, and I need some mechanical advice.My project is an indoor rock climbing wall that rotates on a large "sheet", sort of like automatic walkways in the airport. I have a quick and dirty design drawn by hand here.The main points of the project are:- Forward and backwards motion for climbing up/down- Speed control- Leaning forward and backwards up to about 30 degrees each way (for a total of 60 degrees total)- Structurally able to support about 350 pounds, could get away with 300. I'm personally only about 180, but I don't want to worry if a 250 pound friend wants to give it a shot.- Obviously, must be wall-powered, but I'm less concerned about figuring this out once I know the answers to the following questions...I had a few questions about some early design decisions I have to make before i even put together a list of materials.1) What kind of motor would work for a project like this? I don't suppose there are long, axel-like motors or a way to build one that would fit this need? Ideally, the wall would be about 4.5-5 feet across.2) I want it to be single-motor, would it be better for the motor to go on the top or bottom? I want the other to be a simple axel.3) What material would be good to use and easy to work with for the frame?4) What kind of material would be best for the wall itself? It obviously needs to be malleable to bend around, and still able to hold up weight on small points where I place the "rocks". I was thinking some kind of Kevlar material? It can be fabric-like, as long as it's sturdy and can withstand weight.I'd appreciate any feedback y'all with experience may have. I'm not at all worried about budget for the time being, so whatever recommendations you make are fair game! Thanks a ton! via /r/DIY https://ift.tt/2IDGxo2
