Upwork is hiring a Mechanical Engineer for simple project

Thanks for viewing.

Looking for assistance in simple quick solution for the project below.

Background

We have a piece of acrylic that has a 4 inch hole in it to allow fog to spray out but cover the rest of the machine from rain and downward wetness.

This acrylic is on a slant so that any water that drops down on, it will run off, and as shown in the photo below (Dropbox link)

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/pki57as74cm1nygtzr3fz/Photo-Jan-20-2024-9-42-13-PM.jpg?rlkey=k4ngzljqtxwrox3wykx2hpwh5&dl=0

This also has a “eyebrow” (3.3 in photo) also called a “ curved curb” to redirect any water around the hole so it does not go inside.

A fog machine will be under this that is meant for indoors, but we are using it outdoors.

Therefore, we are trying to prevent water from immediately dropping onto the machine and the circle opening to be covered (when closed) when not used and electronically opened before use for the 6 hour period during the day, and closed again after 6 hour period.

Cover example shown in photo (3.2)

The time it takes for the circle cover to open and close does not matter.

I initially envisioned 24 or 26 gauge aluminum with a bistable rotary solenoid or some type of RC servo… With two positions, one open the other closed and travel distance of 90° to 180°.

The method of control initially would require the use of this piece of electronics below:

Fwd Reverse Module

https://www.amazon.com/Forward-Reverse-Module-Actuator-Reversing/dp/B0879JDWP4

Explanation;

Reason we’re using this is due to the control for these to open and close that’s already designed and built (which uses a dmx512 production protocol through this 3ch relay:

https://www.amazon.com/Channel-Output-DMX512-Decoder-Controller/dp/B093FW85JY

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Regarding setup;

Note here we have 10 of these to build, however, the control itself is only three controls with daisy chained wire connections to the remainder in the set, as we have total three sets of them in different areas of the venue.

– one set of three

– one set of three

– one set of four.

Regarding the cover piece itself;

However, Regarding the aluminum cover, some concerns are if for some reason it does not open the fog machine may end up, blasting the circle cover off, and it can go into the crowd creating a potential hazard .

Another thought was using a piece of clear vinyl instead.

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Project scope.

Based on the information above, looking for a designed solution with the ability to use the module mentioned above.

Whether a bistable rotary solenoid, an RC servo, or anything else that can handle the torque of what’s used to open and close as explained above.

Parts list and details included with options.

Seeking engineering help on this as functionality, torque, and other details come in to play, that’ll allow us to have a long lasting solution without fault, or continued maintenance issues.

Although a circle is initially designed, it does not have to be a circle however, the minimum distance this hole must be is 4 inches.

We can have something that lifts up (versus slides open and close ) however should be considered second as aesthetics come into play.

The overall goal of this entire cover is to block any down, pouring rain or wetness from immediately getting into this hole, but does not have to be watertight as the overall piece of acrylic itself is raised 2 inches above the enclosure it is on allowing heat to escape and air from the outside to circulate throughout, therefore mostly need to block direct rain and falling dust etc.

Thanks for review and looking forward to working with you.

I can send links on initial research for potential devices upon onboarding project.