DIY Linear Actuator or...

[Rvjimd]

Fin,

Thanks for the idea, I was actually thinking the same way! The leverage and torque is real good with the 10-24 thread and I was able to move the actuator closer to the pivot so that shortens the throw requirement and reduses the required overall length. I'm going to refine the prototype and see how I like it, then decide how to proceed. I think the delrin is going to work and I like the look, but brass tube would probably look nice also.

Thanks again for the idea! Do you have any thought on how to make it "freewheel" at each end of the travel, and then re engage to go the other way? If I could figure that out I could eliminate the need for limit switches.

The reason I am thinking about this is because I have an actuator on the flaps of my airplane that does it that way. The motor can continue to run at each end without causing problems.

Jim

[Finster]

Hmmm...

Making it freewheel at both ends is a much more difficult problem. Something I'd really need to think about. You could grind down the threads at each end so the screw would just spin but you'd need some sort of spring arrangement (or something) to re-engage the thread when you wanted to move in the other direction. Looking for a solution I did come across this which I know is different altogether but you might be able to adapt the concept.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xZKDlhF_os

It's an interesting problem. I'll keep thinking about it...

[Rvjimd]

Ya, that thing looks cool!

Jim

[Finster]

Jim,

Found two more variations of a diy actuator with a clutch.

Output positions subject to input motion direction 3 by thang010146
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zhz2hkQtg6U

And this one is pretty much how I was thinking of doing it.
Kraftheber mit Spindelantrieb und Rutschkupplung
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQmJMxQA5C8

[Bo Wallen]

How about spring loaded door and rope and pulley system ........? Little motor and a drum......cheapest solution i can think of today.