Spinning Disc

The RSAMD pantomime in 2007 included a vinyl disc,4.5 meters in diameter, as a show piece. This was to spin when in and then fly out. The structure and mechanism were designed and constructed by Peter Strain

Requirements

The disk was to spin on its own accord and fly out.the mechanism would have to be on the back as there was no detail like a stylus arm to hide any mechanical parts on the front of the flat. equipment used had to me slim enough not to get caught on the gauze hanging behind it.

The solution

The construction of the piece was looked at in two parts. a wooden and canvis frame, forming the disk, and a metal back frame to house the mechanism. the two were joined by steel plates that each have interlocking spindles. these plates were separated and bolted onto the two frames.

due to budgetary restrictions and space issues the mechanism was powered by a simple car windscreen wiper motor. This drove a bicycle gear which stepped down the motors output and spun the disk. The photos below show the componant parts and how they fit together.

Photos

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