High strain/extension mechanism actuators
High strain/extension mechanism actuators
(OP)
Hello all,
I was wondering what mechanisms/actuators are out there that can generate strains of higher than 1 (i.e. the actuator can extend to at least twice its original size). I can only think of two mechanism for doing so: either a telescopic system, or the use of the scissor mechanism, like this.
Any extra ones?
Thanks
--Amr
I was wondering what mechanisms/actuators are out there that can generate strains of higher than 1 (i.e. the actuator can extend to at least twice its original size). I can only think of two mechanism for doing so: either a telescopic system, or the use of the scissor mechanism, like this.
Any extra ones?
Thanks
--Amr





RE: High strain/extension mechanism actuators
Can it be a tension-only actuator? A winch system can easily achieve very high extensions for the initial size.
What's the application?
RE: High strain/extension mechanism actuators
RE: High strain/extension mechanism actuators
I would say that the actuation does have to be purely linear. I lever arm and a rotary actuator would take up a lot of space I think.
The application is a mobile robot inside a pipe, with the robot pressing its "limbs" against the pipe wall by using linear actuators. I'd like the robot to be able to accommodate a wide range of pipe diameters (70-300mm). I can see how a winch system would work, but would you not still need some mechanical structure that will be moved by the cable which needs to have a high strain?
I've had a search for these "lifting columns". They do look interesting, but they are unfortunately very large for my application.
RE: High strain/extension mechanism actuators
For example, if the 50mm diameter "body" of the robot is in the middle, and there are relatively long "arms" (say 250mm long) in front and behind, a simple pivot joint could move each arm from a small angle (for 70mm pipe) to a larger angle (for 300mm pipe).
I'd think that this would be a very simple (and hence, robust) way to achieve the displacement, unless there's some special need for linear approach/departure from the pipe walls.
The actuator itself need not be rotary, as a linear actuator (like a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder or leadscrew) could easily be employed to drive the arm.
RE: High strain/extension mechanism actuators