What is the name for an electronically controlled pin grid array like Pin Art toy?

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#1 21664325 26 Oct 2012 12:39

Mike W Mike W

Anonymous
Post #1
21664325 26 Oct 2012 12:39

Hello, thanks for looking.
I came here because I was looking for some engineers that might be able to help me move a hobby project forward. I'm a complete novice.
I'm looking for a very small electronic device that moves small pins up and down. The pins would be in a grid within the device, so you could send a signal to make individual pins move.
For reference, it's kind of like the 'Pin Art' toy where you press your hand onto a grid of pins, and the shape of your hand is pressed onto the other side. Also, Hyundai has a very impressive room that has moving blocks forming the walls.
Does anyone know what the part I'm looking for is called? It seems like it has to exist for some other purpose. I'd like it to be as small as possible. Also, I'd like it to have a high number of pins (hundreds), closely packed.
Thanks again, any help is greatly appreciated! I did a simple mockup, the image is below.
Mike

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#2 21664326 26 Oct 2012 12:48

Boi Okken Boi Okken

Anonymous

Post #2
21664326 26 Oct 2012 12:48

As far as i know there isn't a regular part that has this specific function, i guess if you want it, you should make a custom part. There is however a part that moves an iron pin up and down, its called a coil, or to be more specific, a solenoid. That is essentially an electromagnet that moves an iron pin up and down.
To build this device of yours, you would need a LOT of solenoids and the problem is that if they are too tightly packed that they intefere with one another. Next to the solenoids you would need some drivers, controller hardware and software and last, but not least, interfacing hardware (for the digital interface). I do think this is a very interesting concept and i hope to see more of it! I hope i was of some help to you.

Yours sincerely,
Boi
#3 21664327 26 Oct 2012 13:24

Mike W Mike W

Anonymous

Post #3
21664327 26 Oct 2012 13:24

Hi Boi,

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, that's very helpful. I was searching all over the net for a non-existent device apparently. That saves me some time, but also means I'll have much more work ahead of me if I want to make it happen.
I'm researching solenoids now, hopefully this info will push me in the right direction.
Thanks again, I'll update you if I make any progress.

Mike
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#4 21664328 26 Oct 2012 18:22

Steve Lawson Steve Lawson

Anonymous

Post #4
21664328 26 Oct 2012 18:22

Another term for a device that moves this way is "linear actuator".
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#5 21664329 27 Oct 2012 04:12

Sarah Harris Sarah Harris

Anonymous

Post #5
21664329 27 Oct 2012 04:12

you could also look into BI-Metalic strips that when a current is passed through them get hot and bend .but
my preferred method would be compressed air, precise drilling of a composite block in the configuration of the needles, each drilling connected to a small hose which is supplied compressed air through a solenoid valve . it means the controlling components are away from the needle array and can be as big as you like
#6 21664330 27 Oct 2012 11:50

Mike W Mike W

Anonymous

Post #6
21664330 27 Oct 2012 11:50

Thank you three for your helpful feedback and ideas.

Sarah, I like your air pressure idea, that seems like it could work! It's not using too many parts, and as you stated, you could squeeze the tubes into a much smaller array than an array containing the solenoids. You wouldn't happen to know if such a component exists? Not the grid of pins, but a device that controls a contained array of electronically controlled solenoid valves. It seems like that would be in existence, possibly for printers.

I'm researching everything you guys are suggesting, glad I came here.
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#7 21664331 27 Oct 2012 12:07

Sarah Harris Sarah Harris

Anonymous

Post #7
21664331 27 Oct 2012 12:07

i would be inclined to look for a ready made controller as you are a complete novice. a rolling led dot matrix sign could easily be converted to control solonoids..something like this http://www.bestwant.com/uk/p10-32-96-semi-out-door-led-moving-sign.html
#8 21664332 27 Oct 2012 12:16

Mike W Mike W

Anonymous

Post #8
21664332 27 Oct 2012 12:16

Nice! You're very kind to put your energy into this. I really appreciate it. I think you're giving me a great direction.
#9 21664333 27 Oct 2012 12:31

Steve Lawson Steve Lawson

Anonymous

Post #9
21664333 27 Oct 2012 12:31

Another possibility is _nitinol memory wire_ coils, one around each cylinder. One side of the coil is attached to the platform and the other side to the cylinder. Pass a current through the wire and it tries to straighten, taking the cylinder with it.

* cimar.mae.ufl.edu/CIMAR/pages/thesis/santiago_jr.pdf
* http://letsmakerobots.com/node/23086
* http://www.talkingelectronics.com/projects/Nitinol/Nitinol-1.html
#10 21664334 27 Oct 2012 15:47

Per Zackrisson Per Zackrisson

Anonymous

Post #10
21664334 27 Oct 2012 15:47

Maybe you should look at Braille printers?
They punch dots on paper instead of spraying ink.
So there might be similarities in function.
#11 21664335 30 Oct 2012 13:35

Mike W Mike W

Anonymous

Post #11
21664335 30 Oct 2012 13:35

Nitinol memory wire is very intriguing. I wonder how it would hold up over time? If it'd eventually lose it's memory of it's relaxed state.
Per- I looked into braille printers, thank you. They seem to all move paper along in a way that it only needs a few pins to punch through. That research led to electroactive polymers, which might work. Exciting stuff!
#12 21664336 09 Mar 2013 11:03

sarosh Mehta sarosh Mehta

Anonymous

Post #12
21664336 09 Mar 2013 11:03

hi mike

I think the link below will help
the pins move up and down. it allows rapid prototypping
http://www.bnpeters.com/digitally-reconfigurable-mold.html
good luck

sarosh mehta
#13 21664337 10 Mar 2013 08:33

Mark Harrington Mark Harrington

Anonymous

Post #13
21664337 10 Mar 2013 08:33

Sarah has the right answer Well done sarah !! and where can you get this from Sarah ?? A ready made matrix out of toys believe it or not from the " Throw away age no less tarum de darum"

read my article on this

http://www.eeweb.com/blog/mark_harrington/gen...an-pick-up-without-having-to-even-spend-money
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion centers on identifying or creating a compact electronic device capable of individually moving hundreds of pins arranged in a dense grid, similar to the Pin Art toy or Hyundai's dynamic wall installations. No off-the-shelf component exists for this specific function. Suggested solutions include arrays of solenoids (electromagnetic coils) to actuate pins, though challenges arise from size constraints and electromagnetic interference. Alternative actuation methods proposed are linear actuators, bimetallic strips that bend when heated by current, compressed air systems controlled by solenoid valves, and nitinol shape memory wire coils that contract when electrified. Braille printers were noted as a related technology due to their dot-punching mechanisms, and electroactive polymers were mentioned as a potential advanced material for actuation. Ready-made controllers, such as those used in LED dot matrix signs, could be adapted for controlling solenoid arrays. Rapid prototyping approaches and digitally reconfigurable molds were also referenced as possible development aids. The overall consensus is that a custom solution integrating multiple technologies and control hardware/software is necessary for such a device.

FAQ

TL;DR: You’re chasing a tiny, electronically controlled pin grid with “a high number of pins (hundreds), closely packed.” [Elektroda, Mike W, post #21664325]

Why it matters: This FAQ helps makers and engineers name the concept, pick actuators, and avoid common pitfalls when building a pin‑matrix display.

Quick Facts

Target scale: “hundreds” of individually driven pins in a compact grid; plan routing and spacing early. [Elektroda, Mike W, post #21664325]
Magnetic solenoids can interfere when packed tightly; allow clearance or shielding. [Elektroda, Boi Okken, post #21664326]
Generic motion term: linear actuator; applies to pin up/down travel. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21664328]
Pneumatic approach moves control bulk off the array via hoses and solenoid valves. [Elektroda, Sarah Harris, post #21664329]
SMA/Nitinol wire coils contract under current and can drive each pin. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21664333]

What is this electronically controlled Pin Art–style grid actually called?

There isn’t a standard off‑the‑shelf “pin‑grid” component. Builders assemble arrays using actuators like solenoids or other linear drives. [Elektroda, Boi Okken, post #21664326]

Is there a generic term for the up/down motion I should search for?

Yes—search for a linear actuator. “Another term for a device that moves this way is ‘linear actuator’.” [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21664328]

Can I use solenoids to move each pin?

Yes. A solenoid is an electromagnet that moves an iron pin up or down. Dense packing risks magnetic coupling, so add spacing or shielding. [Elektroda, Boi Okken, post #21664326]

Will tightly packed solenoids cause problems?

Yes. When solenoids sit too close, their fields interact and reduce control accuracy. Design for spacing or alternate actuation paths. [Elektroda, Boi Okken, post #21664326]

Could compressed air drive the pins instead of magnets?

Yes. Use a drilled manifold block, one hose per pin, and control airflow with solenoid valves. “My preferred method would be compressed air.” [Elektroda, Sarah Harris, post #21664329]

Is there a ready-made controller for beginners?

A rolling LED dot‑matrix sign controller can be repurposed to switch valves or coils, reducing firmware work for novices. [Elektroda, Sarah Harris, post #21664331]

What about shape-memory alloy (Nitinol) wires for actuation?

You can wind Nitinol coils around cylinders; current heats the wire, it contracts, and pulls the pin. Include cooling time in your cycle. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21664333]

How durable is Nitinol for repeated pin motion?

Durability was raised as a concern; plan life‑cycle tests and consider replacement access if wires lose stroke over time. [Elektroda, Mike W, post #21664335]

Can Braille technology inform this build?

Yes. Braille embossers use pin punching rather than ink, showing methods to localize force and guide pins precisely. [Elektroda, Per Zackrisson, post #21664334]

Is there a product that bundles many solenoid valves for pneumatics?

The thread suggests pneumatic control via solenoid valves and hoses; look for manifolded valve banks when sourcing parts. [Elektroda, Sarah Harris, post #21664329]

Any reference project for a reconfigurable pin surface?

See the shared link to a digitally reconfigurable mold; it demonstrates vertically actuated pins for rapid prototyping. [Elektroda, sarosh Mehta, post #21664336]

What inspired this idea and scale?

The Pin Art toy and Hyundai’s moving‑block wall inspired a compact grid with “hundreds” of closely packed, individually driven pins. [Elektroda, Mike W, post #21664325]

How do I prototype a small pneumatic column quickly?

Drill a tight guide bore for one pin and fit a seal.
Plumb a small hose to the bore through a solenoid valve.
Use a simple controller to pulse air for up/down actuation. [Elektroda, Sarah Harris, post #21664329]

What is a solenoid in this context?

A solenoid is a coil that creates a magnetic field to move an iron plunger linearly, ideal for simple up/down pin motion. [Elektroda, Boi Okken, post #21664326]

What is Nitinol memory wire?

Nitinol is a shape‑memory alloy that contracts when electrically heated, enabling compact, quiet linear motion for each pin. [Elektroda, Steve Lawson, post #21664333]

What failure modes should I plan for?

Expect magnetic interference in dense coils, thermal fatigue in Nitinol, and air leaks in pneumatics. Include isolation and testing. [Elektroda, Boi Okken, post #21664326]