Simple continuous back-and-forth linear movement
Simple continuous back-and-forth linear movement
(OP)
I need to purchase a device that will push something forward and backward continuously, in order to make wings flap like a bird. Linear actuators seem to be the right thing to buy, except these require pressing buttons to go forward and then back. What can I buy/what can I do that will allow a linear actuator (or something similar) to continuously move back-and-forth?
I much rather buy something that already does this than to build a machine or program anything. I would love to buy some sort of slider-crank mechanism with a motor at a reasonable speed already set up. Any advice is appreciated.
I much rather buy something that already does this than to build a machine or program anything. I would love to buy some sort of slider-crank mechanism with a motor at a reasonable speed already set up. Any advice is appreciated.





RE: Simple continuous back-and-forth linear movement
http://www.abssac.co.uk/p/Self+reversing+screws/8/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zv7cXR1UkWQ
RE: Simple continuous back-and-forth linear movement
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reciprocating_motion
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Simple continuous back-and-forth linear movement
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RE: Simple continuous back-and-forth linear movement
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RE: Simple continuous back-and-forth linear movement
RE: Simple continuous back-and-forth linear movement
Have you even done a websearch?
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RE: Simple continuous back-and-forth linear movement
But as variety of these types of devices would be huge and volumes low I'm not surprised at all that these aren't off the shelf items anywhere.
RE: Simple continuous back-and-forth linear movement
Another option I was considering would be to use a linear actuator connected to some sort of device that will reverse polarity every 4 seconds or so in order to achieve this reciprocating motion. I am pretty unexperienced with this sort of thing so any advice would be appreciated.
RE: Simple continuous back-and-forth linear movement
RE: Simple continuous back-and-forth linear movement
RE: Simple continuous back-and-forth linear movement
https://www.google.com/search?q=windshield+wiper+m...
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Simple continuous back-and-forth linear movement
RE: Simple continuous back-and-forth linear movement
First you need to define your requirement (i.e. think about it a bit more).
Questions that need to be answered are:
do you need the linear motion to be a steady velocity or can you handle sinusoidal motion (scotch yoke, crankshaft etc)?
Is the force constant or variable?
If the force is variable does the velocity still need to be constant ?(pneumatic actuators will vary for instance)
how fast do you need the end of the stroke to convert to the opposite direction?
How fast do you want this actuator to travel at?
Do you need a variable speed or constant?
other than trial and error, this is the way to make sure you get something the right size that works...
My motto: Learn something new every day
Also: There's usually a good reason why everyone does it that way