Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Electronics => Electronics => Topic started by: rmg1010 on January 07, 2012, 03:00:42 PM

Title: linear actuator
Post by: rmg1010 on January 07, 2012, 03:00:42 PM

Hi everyone,

I have a question about a specific firgelli linear actuator.
http://www.firgelliauto.com/product_info.php?cPath=110&products_id=134 (http://www.firgelliauto.com/product_info.php?cPath=110&products_id=134)
I need to have an actuator that has position control and be reletively small. The other mini actuators I found were not strong enough. This actuator is perfect except it does not seem to have the feedback control I need.

My question is, is there a way to easily modify these actuators so that I can use it as if it had feedback?

Thanks in advanced.

Title: Re: linear actuator
Post by: Soeren on January 07, 2012, 09:34:12 PM

Hi,

Quote from: rmg1010 on January 07, 2012, 03:00:42 PM

I need to have an actuator that has position control and be reletively small. The other mini actuators I found were not strong enough. This actuator is perfect except it does not seem to have the feedback control I need.

My question is, is there a way to easily modify these actuators so that I can use it as if it had feedback?

There's probably not any space left inside it, but you can always add something externally.
One possibility could be an incremental encoder on the rotating screw. For homing positions, the built-in limit switches should work and it will then have a certain amount of "clicks" per inch of travel, depending on the number of segments on the encoder.

Hard to be more precise, when all you give us are "relatively small", "strong enough", but nothing on stroke length, the intervals you need, the force you need or anything specific ;)

Did you check Linaks (http://www.linak.com/) range of actuators? They're superior IMO, but I'm biased :) You might find something that fits your purpose - with feedback.

Title: Re: linear actuator
Post by: Mr.Actuator on February 06, 2013, 11:59:21 AM

Hi RMG1010,

This post is a little old so you may have already resolved your issue but you can take a look at our PA-14P model actuator.
The hole to hole dimensions seem to be about 1" shorter then the firgelli model and it has a built in potentiometer.
The overall speed is slower than the model you suggested but the force is much greater.
The dimensions may work for you, take a look and let me know if you have any questions about them.

http://progressiveautomations.com/linear-actuator-with-potentiometer-14p-c-59.html (http://progressiveautomations.com/linear-actuator-with-potentiometer-14p-c-59.html)

Thanks,

Alex
Product Engineer
Progressive Automations Inc.
www.progressiveautomations.com (http://www.progressiveautomations.com)
www.actuatorzone.com (http://www.actuatorzone.com)