Belt Tension Adjuster Design - ideas needed! (group)

I am debating on using an idler rather than moving the motor - whaddya think?

What your 'favorite' method?

Scott

I vote for an Idler on an eccentric mount; like the timing belt adjusters on many four cylinder cars.

I have used these, they work pretty slick, http://www.lovejoy-inc.com/catalog/Tensioner%20Devices.pdf
Rubber torsion design.
Al.

Alot of the machines I work on have this set up for timing belts. Simple cam followers on a swing arm

I went for the moving motor solution. Idlers can add further resistance.

ynneb -

On the motor moving option - did you bolt the motor down rigidly or did you create an "automatic", spring loaded pivot kinda thing?

I put thought into using a spring loaded pin that's only allowed to go one way arrangement.

Scott

The motors were bolted to a flat alum plate and the plate swivels on one main bolt. The alum plate has slightly elongated holes so as to allow movement until perminately been tightened. As for having springs for constant pressure, I guess it could be done so long as theye were very strong. You wouldnt want the motor to temporarily move when accelerating your machine.

EDIT: A quick pic.
I have not experianced any los of tightening yet. Just force the motor tight with a lever and tighten the nuts again.

Ynneb, just like on an Alternator. Simple and effective...

Ynneb, JavaDog -

I see your drive pulley is mounted directly to the motor shaft? I was not going to go this way originally but now I am thinking this would make the design SO much easier.

I may just go with the alternator mount - I am still playing with a host of details trying to consolidate the design.

Thanks for the help, guys!

Scott