If you love cookies, you will probably have multiple jars at home. You can opt for a cookie jar automatic opener to make accessing your favorite snacks easier. The functionality is straightforward.
You press a button, and the jar cover automatically slides open. Then, pick your cookie and press the button again to close the jar. Sounds easy, right? Well, it is. We’ll discuss steps to help you set up one using a linear actuator in no time.
Why Use a Cookie Jar Automatic Opener?
The primary benefit of installing a cookie jar automatic opener is convenience. You open the container with one press of a remote button, meaning you can operate it from a distance. Of course, you still need to walk up to the jar to grab the cookies, but it’s more convenient not having to lift the lid yourself.
Secondly, an automatic cookie jar opener is fun. It’s an innovative idea that not many people make use of. So, when you have family or other guests, you can surprise them by pressing a remote to open your cookie jar.
There’s accessibility too. Not everyone can open a cookie jar. Children, at least, may struggle with turning the cover to access the snacks. An automatic opener removes such trouble, making the cookies accessible to anyone.
Finally, an automatic opener can boost hygiene. People won’t always get to touch your jar cover to get cookies. The fewer hands touching it, the cleaner and healthier your cookie jar is.
Steps to Setup a Cookie Jar Automatic Opener
Follow the below guidelines to successfully install a working cooking jar automatic opener.
1. Decide on design
Your automatic opener won’t have the structure of a regular cookie jar. Instead, you’ll have to go for something ingenious. Ideally, the jar should be more spacious in height and width, so the opener can function efficiently.
The best option is to build a slide-up cover. That means the cover slides up to reveal your cookies when you activate the automatic opener. In the video on this page, you can see exactly what the design looks like. Also, check out other methods for simplifying your home life as you watch.
2. Pick a suitable linear actuator
The talk is about an automatic opener. As a result, you’ll need a motion mechanism you can operate remotely, and, per our expertise, you should get an electric linear actuator. Many reasons come into play, but to highlight the most critical one, the motion devices are simple to operate.
But linear actuators come in different types. You’ll find devices with varying stroke lengths, speeds, voltages, and forces. The design and style of your cookie jar automatic opener will influence the right one to go for. However, we advise using our linear actuator calculator to make things easier. Simply enter the dimensions and weight of the cover, and the calculator will recommend the right device to purchase.
3. Attach the linear actuator to the cookie jar opener
Now you have to bring the actuator and opener together. You’ll need mounting brackets, screws, and simple working tools like a screwdriver or drill. Measure the position where you’ll place the brackets accurately; ideally, they should stay at the sides of the opener lid.
Drill holes in the marked positions and insert your mounting brackets. Then, fasten them using screws. The brackets must be secure in a horizontal position. Next, connect your linear actuator to the mounting brackets. Screws should be enough, but you’ll also need nuts or washers for some motion devices. We advise that you check the follow-come instructions.
4. Connect the linear actuator to a power source and remote
Here you’ll do some wiring. You either connect the actuator to a direct power source or use a battery. The former is straightforward, but the latter requires some technical workings. However, even if you’re using a battery, it still needs a power supply to charge.
So, start by stripping the actuator wire ends. You’ll find two wires: one red, one black. The red goes to the battery’s positive terminal, while the black goes to the negative.
Next, connect the actuator to one of the receiver’s channels. The receiver will typically have two channels; in the second one, you’ll connect the battery. However, when fixing the battery’s wires, reverse the polarity so you can change the direction of the actuator using the remote.
5. Mount the receiver and battery
After connecting the wires and all, you need to mount the battery and receiver in a secure location. They shouldn’t interfere with the linear actuator’s path, or the cookie jar automatic opener won’t function optimally. Second, if you place them just anywhere, it’ll spoil the aesthetics.
So, we advise hiding them somewhere nearby. For instance, you can mount the battery and receiver inside the cabinet or countertop where you place the cookie jar. Then puncture small holes on the surface to pass the wires. Ensure the wires aren’t visible after mounting, and at the same time, they shouldn’t tangle.
6. Test to be sure all work perfectly
Now it’s time to see if your setup works. Get your remote and activate the linear actuator. The device should slide up to automatically open the cookie jar. Likewise, when you use the remote again, the actuator slides down the cover to close the jar.
An important factor to pay attention to here is the operating range. How far do you have to be for the remote control to connect to the receiver? That should be in the actuator’s manual.
If the remote isn’t working across the specified range, then it means there’s a problem with the receiver’s connection. However, you most likely will be close to the cookie jar whenever you want to open it. So, if the remote works when nearby, you’re good to go.
Bottom Line
Use an automatic opener to make your cookie jar more accessible and convenient. The simple steps above will help you set up one using a linear actuator. To add, always keep the cookie jar clean to avoid crumbs damaging the motion mechanism.