Questions tagged [actuator]
An actuator is a device for converting energy into motion. They may be pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, or mechanical.
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Driving a DVD-ROM lens actuator
I have a spare laser diode lying around not being used. The other day I had an idea that it would be cool to have it draw the time on the wall for me as a laser wall clock. In order to do that, I'd ...
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Robotic button pusher [closed]
I purchased a Gigapan Epic Pro a while back (www.gigapan.com).
I love this device but I would like to be able to access the buttons on it, from a distance. (I want to mount the unit on top of a ...
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Cheap linear actuator recommendations? [closed]
I've been doing a lot of research into linear actuators, and have come up pretty much empty handed in finding any small sized (lifting force 10-30 newtons) linear actuators for a doable price (30-50 ...
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Are there electronic devices that can be used to replace hydraulic cylinders with short strokes
We use hydraulic cylinders in many applications to release brakes and clamp things. The choice of hydraulics is based on them being strong relative to their size. There are a couple of downsides with ...
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Switching 24V and GND with MOSFETs
I need to control motion direction of linear actuator. It works off of 24V power supply, and if i switch polarity of supply it goes to opposite direction. The supply for actuator is simple DC with no ...
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What part/actuator do you think they used
At around 2:20 in this video there is an interesting use of electronics. You can watch the video but in short there are these little spoon creatures that pop out from behind a covering. The speed at ...
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Methods to accurately move an object across a 2-D plane
This is the opposite/complement of my previous question, which concerned measuring the precise position of an object as it is moved/drawn by someone over a short duration. Assuming I use one of @...
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Energy conversion from Electrical to Mechanical
I have a requirement where I have to design a very small device capable of pulling in and out a small piston through a feedback.I know it can be done using motor but AFAIK I need higher voltage and ...
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Playing back recorded movements with servos
I'm new to motors/servos so could do with a bit of advice. I'm currently working with 3 Dynamixel servos and it's cool that they can be programmed fairly easily and I can get the current position when ...
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Looking for linear solenoid actuators less than 2 cm in length [closed]
Do such parts exist? Are they cheap?
I want to take a sheet of plastic and cover both sides with solenoids, some aligned in the X direction and some aligned in the Y direction. With at least a ...
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Muscle wire considerations
I am in the planning stages of a project for my new son/daughter, who will be arriving in December. The project involves using muscle wire to make bug or bird slowly flap it's wings. The form will be ...
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Sensors that are also actuators?
this is more of a theoretical question, and I do not know if this is suited for this QA site at all, but at school I was asked to provide 3 examples of sensors (in the narrow sense) that are also ...
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Selecting small motor (wrist watch sized)
I want to build a skydiving altimeter, which is a device with a pointer that looks like and is slightly bigger than a wrist watch. In this device I want to display altitude information using a pointer,...
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Where can I get a small cheap linear actuator?
First, I should clarify: I am not looking for much power or much precision. I am looking for the cheapest thing I can plug into an arduino. I am just looking for stuff I can use for prototyping/proof-...
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How do I build a bracelet that vibrates once every n minutes? [closed]
I intend to establish a few new personal habits that eventually become second-nature to me. To assist myself, I want to wear a bracelet that vibrates every, say, 5 minutes all throughout the day as a ...
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