Weatherproof e-grip idea

[Lord Odin]

It seems that the current way the e-grip is made won't allow the grip to be made waterproof but I had an idea of using magnets to make it work. This is purely academic and have no plans drawn up or anything. Just an idea to throw out there.

The current grip has the trigger assembly, which slides into the opening of the grip and the grip itself, which holds the electronics. The reason it can't be made waterproof is because there are openings along the seams, through the top where the trigger assembly is, and where the trigger is to activate the switch.

My idea is to make the grip itself totally contained and unconnected to the trigger and sear. By sealing off the entire electronic area, including the battery, it makes water penetration nearly impossible. To seal it would mean having the grip halves made in a way so that it can hold a rubber seal around the perimeter of the electronics bay.

The trigger would have rare earth magnets on it so that it will both return to normal position and help trigger a sensor inside the grip. When the trigger is squeezed, the magnet comes close enough to a switch inside that it trips and activates. The grip then sends a current to a solenoid near the sear. When it receives a current, it creates a magnetic field and trips the sear. The sear would be have a magnet on the end closest to the solenoid so that the force would be strong enough to trip the sear. When the solenoid is turned off, a spring would push the sear back to its normal position.

To change modes and program, perhaps there could be a button that has a rubber cover to it.

What do you guys think? Is it possible or just wishful thinking?

[dimes]

Sounds pretty good to me!

The only problem I could see is the magnets screwing up the circuits in some way. I ain't no electromajonic engineer or nuthin', but it seems like it might be a possibility.

[Lord Odin]

It shouldn't post a problem because the solenoids create a magnetic field through an electric current running through it. Also, the stock e-grips have rare earth magnets in the bottom of the grip. The APE/RI magnetic triggers also utilize magnets. I wouldn't think it would pose a problem.

[ryan]

It's a good Idea except that an e-grip fires when you pull the trigger that sends a curent creating an electo-magnet that diengages the sear, the circit board then stops the current and releases the sear back to its' locked position with the hammer/striker. With earth magnets it would be a one shot deal, it would be dificult to reset.

Now if they just made the grip completly sealed with a rubber gasket sealing a removable door for the batery, rubber sealed buttuns and some silicone to seal the holes for any wire that must travel to the outside of the internal area we would be in good shape.

[shermanator]

I weather proofed my WAS board with electrical spray bought at autoparts store. it's almost the same stuff we used at Molex where I used to work at. Weather proofs and seals the board. I'm at work and can't get to the stuff right now but I'll post it up later.


btw we make flex/hard boards at Molex division I worked at just incase some of you are wondering.

[SuperRTowner]

I don't own one but I have thought about how to do it. Get a respectable small lunch bag (one that you know you can trust to prevent water from entering it.) pull the board leaving the wires intact, put the board into the lunchbag and mash it flat gently so it fits, then take some silicone caulk or something and seal the bag (As it won't seal shut with the intended seal because of the wires)

You will have to reseal it everytime you replace the battery but it should work if you are generous with the silicone.

Sherminator that does sound a lot better than my idea

[The Unrealist]

Would nail polish hurt the board if one tried to use it to coat?

[Dead Box Chewie]

i don't think the nail polish would foul things up. i would only worry about trapping in heat and not allowing the board to be repaired if need be.