Actuators too small to simulate human arm?

[Michael7S]

To simulate human arm action,  I can build an aluminum test cage and the arm that pivots in the same dimensions as an adult human arm.

Actuator choice will be pivotal ( ) to design of the arms and I could use some pointers on which style/sizes of actuators would be a good starting point.

Some more info: The arm action simulates the plunging of a 12 pound tool, e.g., a soil tamper or post hole digger, for up to 36 inches of vertical travel, at the 'hand'.  Simlar to this video: [youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfFXSGT2qtA  [/youtube]  The cage can remain stationary.   Ultimate goal is to measure the impact force of various designs of hand-operated soil compaction tools.

Thank you for pointers -- either to devices or places where more research can be done.  Most of my searches have included terms like "simulate human arm" and "actuators for axial acceleration" among others, but the results seem to be focused on human performance and medical. 

-Michael

[rastas]

hi in my opinion forget trying to reproduce the human movement it looks like a lift then drop movement simple to do with a pneumatic ram

[Michael7S]

Thanks Rastas,  I'll look into pneumatic as well.  -Michael

[actuonix]

Did you get this sorted out? I agree with the above comment. Pneumatic is probably the way to go

[Michael7S]

For now I've used a spring assist for the first 2/3 of the travel.  The last third is pure drop.  This approximates the human propulsion, though a light spring for 100% of the travel might be a touch better.

If I do go to actuated propulsion (and lift), the specs will be much clearer.

Thanks for your help so far.

-Michael

[midhun131]

Pneumatic ram is a good option but then the speeds would be not as per the requirement. Check out either linear actuator/servo. Another method you could consider is a motor and cam assembly.