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Inexpensive linear actuator — Parallax Forums

Inexpensive linear actuator

ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
edited 2003-09-10 19:00 in General Discussion
Colleagues,

I need to make a mechnism, which acts like a small forklift. The
trave of the fork is 10 inches. I'm looking for a linear actuator, of
a worm gear. The actuator will have only two positions - top and
bottom, so DC motor plus 2 limit switches will suffice. Do you have
an idea where to get, or how to make such thing?

Thanks!

Sincerely,
Nick

Comments

  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-09 01:49
    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Nick Alexeev" <kender_a@y...>
    wrote:
    > Colleagues,
    >
    > I need to make a mechnism, which acts like a small forklift. The
    > trave of the fork is 10 inches. I'm looking for a linear actuator,
    of
    > a worm gear. The actuator will have only two positions - top and
    > bottom, so DC motor plus 2 limit switches will suffice. Do you have
    > an idea where to get, or how to make such thing?
    >
    > Thanks!
    >
    > Sincerely,
    > Nick


    Hi Nick,

    I think I can help you out, but need to know a few things.

    how much power do you need (how much weight are you lifting ?

    personal safety issues ? (humans being lifted need at least 2
    setperate mechanical safety devices.)

    Since this if off topic, maybe we should e-mail direct ? we can send
    post back to the group if this is desired. I know I always like to
    see projects.

    First thought is a lightweight (under 500 pounds?) unit that would
    use a timing belt. these are geared tooth belts. and using a
    screw. one could put a pully on the end of the screw and then spin
    it with a motor. the pully offers rations for higher torque, and the
    screw stops a falling.

    For really light loads, (under 10 pounds) one could use the same type
    of belt, but just attach it to the stage. when the motor spins, the
    belt lifts the stage directly.

    for heavy loads, or personal safety or such, a worm gear platform
    would work and would not be hard to do.

    Lots of ways. Give me some ideas, and I'll send you some ways to get
    it done.


    Dave
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-09 02:59
    In a message dated 9/8/2003 5:18:56 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
    kender_a@y... writes:
    Colleagues,

    I need to make a mechnism, which acts like a small forklift. The
    trave of the fork is 10 inches. I'm looking for a linear actuator, of
    a worm gear. The actuator will have only two positions - top and
    bottom, so DC motor plus 2 limit switches will suffice. Do you have
    an idea where to get, or how to make such thing?

    Thanks!
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    One possible inexpenise solution that will use a DC motor is to go to a junk
    yard and find a power seat motor with it's worm gear / track mechanism. You
    will need to install your own limit switches, easily accomplished with opto
    interuptors.


    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-09 04:15
    Some of the junk / salvage / surplus places like Marlin P. Jones are
    selling surplus satellite positioners. Very heavy duty and much cheaper
    than building something.


    > I need to make a mechnism, which acts like a small forklift. The
    > trave of the fork is 10 inches. I'm looking for a linear actuator, of
    > a worm gear. The actuator will have only two positions - top and
    > bottom, so DC motor plus 2 limit switches will suffice. Do you have
    > an idea where to get, or how to make such thing?
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-09 13:20
    A great source for this type of thing is a junk yard (auto recycling
    center). Window motor mechanisms and electric seat adjuster mechanisms may
    be just what you need and may be obtained for a couple of dollars especially
    if you use parts from cars that are not the most popular or new.

    jim
    http://www.geocities.com/jimforkin2003/


    Original Message
    From: Bill Boyer [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=Zl7-Ma7HbJrFOeab5SxF53VHIR9ROytJLDVaRB4rRCZ4efGlSIGyzM-vF7Mpbiv_1yA_Hrv6v41m]daweasel@s...[/url
    Sent: Monday, September 08, 2003 11:15 PM
    To: Basic Stamp List
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Inexpensive linear actuator


    Some of the junk / salvage / surplus places like Marlin P. Jones are
    selling surplus satellite positioners. Very heavy duty and much cheaper
    than building something.


    > I need to make a mechnism, which acts like a small forklift. The
    > trave of the fork is 10 inches. I'm looking for a linear actuator, of
    > a worm gear. The actuator will have only two positions - top and
    > bottom, so DC motor plus 2 limit switches will suffice. Do you have
    > an idea where to get, or how to make such thing?



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  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-10 02:15
    Nick,

    Nut's and Volts Magazine had a good, simple and low cost linear actuator
    project profiled last year. I remember it as a 2 or 3 issue article that
    used a small dc motor, threaded rod shaft and square brass box tube.

    Good Luck,
    Chris Dundorf

    <<<>>>

    Colleagues,

    I need to make a mechnism, which acts like a small forklift. The
    trave of the fork is 10 inches. I'm looking for a linear actuator, of
    a worm gear. The actuator will have only two positions - top and
    bottom, so DC motor plus 2 limit switches will suffice. Do you have
    an idea where to get, or how to make such thing?

    Thanks!

    Sincerely,
    Nick



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  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-10 19:00
    Thank you for your advices! I've got an Acura power seat at a junk
    yard today for $30. It has 3 worm gears, and 2 motors.

    Nick
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