Electric/Mechanical Hammock Rocker

[maybaum]

As the ultimate retired guy, I am seeking a powered device to swing my hammock whilst I read a book. I have found no such device by a Google search and wondered if anyone here knows of such a device.

[turnerminator]

I remember seeing on a TV program, an electromechanical rocker for a baby pram or cot.

It was a pitch to a panel of entrepreneurs on a program called 'Dragons Den' here in the UK.

From memory, they didn't invest but the patent exists.

FWIW, I reckon it's a great project.

[turnerminator]

After googling hammock rocker, a patent exists in the states for one.

[Strapped-4-Cache]

Seems like something could be rigged up with a very low RPM motor and an eccentric wheel or cam setup. However, I'd think that since the hammock isn't rigid it would be difficult to keep the push-pull motion of the device consistent with the motion of the hammock.

I prefer a swing string. Stake a line and give it an occasional pull. No electricity, no noise of a motor, just a relaxing rocking motion.

[maybaum]

Agree that the string/rope pull works just fine and that is what I do now. But being just a tad lazy, was looking for even a more relaxing fix. I saw the patent info when I googled it, but no products. Looks like not enough of us lazy guys to make a market.

[kayaknut01]

i had seen a guy at a salvage yard here in wi i think it was called morrison's auto salvage that used a windshild wiper motor, 12 volt battery and some type of pulley/cam to a hammocks suspension to gain the rocking motion your after if i was into hang'in then, i would have taken pictures of it it was very ingenoius

[maybaum]

I suspect some sort of clutch or cam arrangement would be required to compensate for the hammock slowing down and to keep from pulling when the hammock was already swining in the "away" direction. Even with my current rope arrangement there is an element of timing to keep the movement smooth. I'll bet the Apollo guys never had challenges this tough.

[fr8pilot1]

With the creative bunch on this forum, I am sure you will have some suggestions coming your way for your "Lazy Man's Automatic Hammock Swinger". Batteries not included.

Welcome to the forum.

[KerMegan]

I'm thinking something like the windmill device in "witness" -- the fan spins in the breeze, and the string is tied to an outside point on the wheel connected to the axle. (you might want to use shock cord to avoid annoying jolts).
have fun! KM

[AmOk]

Hy there

I put an UP to this thread for I am too looking for some device to solve the unmanned hammock issue"
I too have googled it with no result
The only patents I found don't seem to be very efficient, because they don't consider the part of non-linearity and resonance this kind of motion involves

ex here or here

I guess those two devices, would quickly go to an erratic motion
So we need some electronical part within the device that "reads" the movment...

I assume one time the motion is initialized, the force to maintain it would be quite weak. For my part the knowing of this force would be a first step.
So my questions :

Is there any physic specialist to give me a clear (and easy to understand !) equation that consider the different parameters that play in a hammock swing ?

What would be the minimal strengh we need to apply ?

Would a 12V device be powefull enough to fullfill this ?

Those essential questions would determinate if I go further in this Great Quest : the quest for the release of the laziest hammockers all over the world !!!

see you