Deodorant-stick linear actuator

MAKE Magazine subscriber Jeremie Boulianne of Calgary, Alberta, came with a unique way to build a linear actuator:

Linear actuation is an elusive and expensive field to get into but I always seem to find a need for it with robots I build. Whether it being to raise a turret or dispense a marker a linear actuator would be so handy.

My proof-of-concept solution (hack) was to create a linear actuator design that is accessible to even electronics enthusiasts on the tightest budget. Using a common item, that I hope everyone uses , you can build one yourself after the product has been used up. I recommend leaving the dispenser under hot water for a few minutes and then use an old toothbrush to clean off the remaining residue before you hack it. The amount of travel for this plastic worm gear assembly is a tad over 3 inches. Right now I don’t have an installed solution for detecting end of travel but I would assume it’d be easy enough to add a Freeduino with some limit switches or current sensing chips. The Freeduino could also drive your servo signal at the same time…BONUS!

9 Responses to Deodorant-stick linear actuator

rmd6502 on January 14th, 2011 at 7:42 am said:

How about a rare earth magnet and a hall effect sensor?

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- Jeremie Boulianne on January 14th, 2011 at 1:20 pm said:
  
  I like the magnet with reed switch idea! I have both so I think I’ll have to try it. The chapstick/lipstick idea below is pretty cool too but a person would probably have to use a mini servo for that.
  
  I thought of the nut + threaded rod idea as well but I live in Canada and I don’t want to run to the hardware store when I want to make something in the winter….it’s waaaaayyy too cold, besides who wants to have to fabricate a linear system when there’s plenty already built for you and free to recycle (once your armpits are done with it)!
  
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JCO on January 14th, 2011 at 8:42 am said:

What a great idea! I’d love to see this on a robot.

Probably encourages good higene too.

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Steve Hoefer on January 14th, 2011 at 9:33 am said:

If space is a concern, a lipstick or chapstick container works just as well, though has a shorter travel. (And smells less.)

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theophrastus on January 14th, 2011 at 9:46 am said:

Very resourceful use of otherwise tossed stuff, yet is there a reason that a trip to the hardware store for a bit of threaded rod (or just a long bolt) and a nut for a traveler wouldn’t be a more stable solution? Perhaps that would be too fine a “lead”?

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Jeremie Boulianne on January 14th, 2011 at 1:24 pm said:

I came up with a name for the Project-> The Axe Effector

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linear acuators on May 28th, 2011 at 8:38 am said:

Linear actuators are the machines that are primary blocks that are used to determine live wire automation equipment. The external energy source may be as diverse as hydraulic, mechanical, Piezoelectric, Pneumatic and Electro-mechanical.

For more detail one can follow: http://www.progressiveautomations.com

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linear acuators on May 28th, 2011 at 8:38 am said:

Linear actuators are the machines that are primary blocks that are used to determine live wire automation equipment. The external energy source may be as diverse as hydraulic, mechanical, Piezoelectric, Pneumatic and Electro-mechanical.

For more detail one can follow: http://www.progressiveautomations.com

Reply ↓
linear acuators on May 28th, 2011 at 8:38 am said:

Linear actuators are the machines that are primary blocks that are used to determine live wire automation equipment. The external energy source may be as diverse as hydraulic, mechanical, Piezoelectric, Pneumatic and Electro-mechanical.

For more detail one can follow: http://www.progressiveautomations.com

Reply ↓