Linear Actuator
FEA
3D Printing
Motors
A custom linear actuator powered by a motorized planetary gearbox, designed to maximize upward mechanical impulse.
The Task
Design a device that pushes upwards against a moving platform with the maximum possible mechanical impulse. The device should also be mass-optimized to accomplish this task with the least amount of material possible. To accomplish this, we must first characterize the provided motor to determine the voltage, speed, and torque desired to maximize power.
Motor Characterization
Design a device that pushes upwards against a moving platform with the maximum possible mechanical impulse. The device should also be mass-optimized to accomplish this task with the least amount of material possible. To accomplish this, we must first characterize the provided motor to determine the voltage, speed, and torque desired to maximize power.
Mass Optimization
Free Body Diagrams were used in conjunction with back-of-the-envelope (BOTEA) calculations to determine the minimum size of each component.
Finite Element Analysis
FEA for Von Mises stress and Buckling stress was used to validate these calculations.
Final Assembly
The final device provided an upward impulse of 974 Ns over a 5 cm vertical displacement.
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