Heath Robinson contraption

[maccboy]

I'm trying to formulate a plan for building a door-opener for my dog's crate so that it can open automatically in the morning. It might seem an odd thing to do but he tends to start whinging too early and if the door is open, I'm hoping it will stop him doing it.
I've got a couple of Raspberry Pis spare and some Alexa-linked WiFi sockets (if necessary) so, how hard can it be?
I guess I'll need some sort of actuator, and a bit of programming or something!
Anyone got any ideas or experience where to start? Cheers!

[deadtom]

what's the latch mechanism on the crate?

I'd go for some kind of pulley and weight setup with a simple actuator to release the string. I'd make sure the weight is only just a bit heavier than necessary to swing the door open so that if fido is somehow caught up on the door as it unlocks it can't open with enough force to cause any harm

Do you want it to be automatic or simply remotely activated? Lego technic components can be controlled via app, and the hardware is more or less infinitely configurable and relatively cheap to buy as well as being able to exert a useful amount of force, so it would be pretty easy to put together a simple mechanical string release mechanism that can be controlled from your phone. If you want it to be automatic then it is probably not beyond the wit of man to get a raspberry pi to talk to the lego software

Edited by deadtom on Thursday 13th April 17:55

[skeeterm5]

Use an Alexa to control the power to a motor. You can set a routine with Alexa by setting the times for on or off or off you like you can use sunrise and sunset,

[anonymous-user]

Use an electro magnet with a plug in Alex controlled unit.

[sherman]

I foresee yelping squashed bleeding dog in the future.

This is a very bad idea imo.

[Spare tyre]

Simplest way I can think of is using a pin to release the door

Old desk fan with blades removed, set to oscillate

Google smart plug to turn on at the right time for a minute

Sweeping motion pulls pin out via string


or

A google plug on a 240v electromagnetic thing, like when you push a green button to release an office exit door. Just needs to fire at a set time for a few seconds, maybe so,etching squashy in the door to make it pop open when magnet released

[maccboy]

Wow! Whole load of options there!
I want it to be automatic and there will be no chance of squashing the mutt, don't worry!
I was hoping to time it with either a WiFi socket or a Pi.

[AW10]

pocketspring said:

Use an electro magnet with a plug in Alex controlled unit.

I like that idea. Some sort of spring/bungee cord to pull the door open when the magnet releases. If there’s a power failure the door opens.

[Mikebentley]

You can get something similar for letting out your chickens and locking the door as the sun sets.

[dhutch]

Thinking slightly outside of the box, if you are happy for them to roam the house, have you considered not locking the door in the first place?

Leave the crate in place as a safe space, but secure the door in the open position. Or close it to without bolting it.

[WrekinCrew]

[Baldchap]

A mag lock with a time release would work and be relatively tidy, but if you don't mind him wandering in the morning, why is it an issue at night?

Failing that, is he whingeing because the light where he sleeps wakes him mega early? Would curtains solve the problem?

[maccboy]

I need the door to actually open so that he can see that he can get out.
He has been fine until the hour moved. I can't use curtains due the layout of the house and where his crate is.

[anonymous-user]

maccboy said:

I need the door to actually open so that he can see that he can get out.
He has been fine until the hour moved. I can't use curtains due the layout of the house and where his crate is.

Easy mate, just bend a spring round.

[dhutch]

I like the idea of of the magnetic latch, and a spring/bungee to open to the when the latch is released.

A sheet/towel over the crate might also work to reduce the light.


You lucky, although out have the run of the house overnight, the elder dog gets the urgency to be outside at around 6am. He has now learnt he can summon assistance by barking from the foot of the stairs. It's awful especially combined with a young child, but we're mainly greatful to no longer wake to puddles and worse!

[InitialDave]

WrekinCrew said:

If this isn't the voice command used to have Alexa control it, I'll be very disappointed.

[thegreenhell]

You keep your dog locked in a crate?

[Cold]

thegreenhell said:

You keep your dog locked in a crate?

Many dogs prefer to have a place that is solely theirs. They feel safe in it.

[The_Nugget]

I reckon this guy could help

[dundarach]

I need one too