Search for non existing Electro-Mechanical Component 1

[FeldmanWill]

I’m currently looking into system design of functionality stated bellow. I’m hitting a brick wall with pneumatics as far as using electrical to convert to pneumatic power which increases cost, number of components etc. I was thinking may be there is an electo-magnetic-mechanical component on the market which will satisfy the requirements.

Desired System Functionality:

1. Rotary actuator to provide 500 inlbs of rotational torque in the clockwise as well as counter-clockwise direction. Doesn’t really need to move but just to provide counter torque.
2. Torque has to be fully adjustable in both directions prior to system engagement.
3. Rotation to be 180 deg. minimum.
4. Set up has to understand in which direction rotation is engaged and start countering with pre-set torque.
5. The system has to have a push button option to provide fail safe mode to free rotary actuator from applying torque.

Please let me know if something comes to mind.

Thank You
William

 

[Ron]

Try this...

http://www.rex-engineering.com/valve_actuators.htm

set it up as DC system..easier to control motion and torque by electronics.

 

[zekeman]

DC torquer.

 

[MintJulep]

A shaft, two clock springs and over-running clutches.

 

[Ron]

zekeman...sounds like a Rapper.

 

[TheTick]

Servo motor?

 

[zeusfaber]

You don't say a lot about what environment this has to work in, how much space you've got to play with, how much operator skill is available and whether this is something you hope to sell lots of to a waiting public.

For a one-off development rig with space to spare, you could do worse than:

A pair of oppositely-wound winch drums clutched (to give the disconnect) onto your actuator shaft. Suspend a bucket under this arrangement using one cable from each drum. Add or remove water to adjust the torque. If you need the torque to be reversible mid-evolution, attach the drums to the shaft with ratchets and pawls (this introduces a need to reset the mechanism from time to time).

A.

 

[FeldmanWill]

I'm worried about going pure mechanical because eventually I'm looking into computer control, even though I traveled this road for possibilities. I enjoined some of the creativity in mechanical solutions though, this is my cup of tea.

I emailed both torquer and Rex people to see what they say.

To answer some questions brought up:

I'm looking at the cycle one 180 deg. rev per sec. and return, about 50 cycles, not continuous.
Environment is nothing out of ordinary.
Qty. expectation, if I put my finger in the air, about 2000 a year.
Operator skill, not a house wife, but certain public is expected who think they can just figure things out on the fly without learning the machine. Also might be law suit loving citizens, so safety is #1.

Weight is #2.
Cost is #0.

I'm surprised that there is no 2 magnetically coupled plates on the market, they make magnetic linear slides. I guess torquer is in the same category. Even thou the torque I'm looking for is on it's most powerful units, and I'm afraid weight will be a problem (not listed in the catalog), but I'll see what they say.

Thanks for all your input.
Let me know if something else comes to mind.
William