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Question Switching from Linear to Rotary Actuators

Discussion in 'Commercial Simulators and Peripherie' started by Metaverum, Apr 7, 2022.

  1. Metaverum

    Metaverum Member Gold Contributor

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    Hello everyone,

    Years ago I got into simulator building with the help of this community.

    I have a 3DOF stewart platform system with linear actuators. I am using both actuators and motors imported from China. Right now I am having problems with the default platform height due to the linear motors being relatively too big. I would like a motion platform with considerably less default platform height.

    I would like to use a new type of actuator that I believe is called a "rotary actuator". However, I am very unknowledgable about these parts.

    I would kindly ask for some information, link dumps, videos, correct terminology to use about these actuators. Also if these actuators come as a set or I have to put the parts together?

    Also, are these systems cheaper than the usual linear systems?

    Attached Files:

    Metaverum, Apr 7, 2022
    #1
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    A 'Rotary Actuator' is simply a controlled motor with a lever and rod attached, that produce movement that while not as linear or accurate as a linear actuator, is generally at a lower cost and quieter operation.
    noorbeast, Apr 7, 2022
    #2
  3. Metaverum

    Metaverum Member Gold Contributor

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    What is the difference in accuracy/precision? Is it still a passable application of a motion platform or is there a severe loss in quality?

    And the price difference, is it significant?
    Metaverum, Apr 7, 2022
    #3
  4. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    A linear actuator is more precise than a wormdrive gearbox, which has a certain amount of play for lubrication purposes: https://www.xsimulator.net/community/faq/wormdrive-backlash.293/

    Cost is a bit of a difficult question, depending on DIY Vs commercial linear actuators, but in general a rotary approach simply relies on the bolt on gearbox, an attached lever and pot/hall sensor, with a rod with spherical ends connecting to the platform, so in may respects is simpler and much cheaper.
    noorbeast, Apr 7, 2022
    #4
  5. Metaverum

    Metaverum Member Gold Contributor

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    I am building commercial platforms with not very many precise movements found in a flight simulator or a formula one car. Perhaps it could work with a gearbox.

    Are there any brands/suppliers you can recommend?
    Metaverum, Apr 7, 2022
    #5
  6. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    A reasonable degree of precision is required for a flight or F1 motion simulator, though with a commercial rigs many more considerations come into play, such as suppliers, manufacturing costs and shipping.

    I have no views regarding suppliers, but with any commercial venture a solid business plan backed by commercial contracts and product plan is generally wise.
    noorbeast, Apr 7, 2022
    #6
  7. Metaverum

    Metaverum Member Gold Contributor

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    Could you tell me what exactly is the reason for the lack of precision in worm gearbox simulators?
    Metaverum, Apr 8, 2022
    #7
  8. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    • Like Like x 1
    noorbeast, Apr 8, 2022
    #8
  9. Metaverum

    Metaverum Member Gold Contributor

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    Could you tell me what CTC stands for here? Thank you very much. I will look into this.
    Metaverum, Apr 8, 2022
    #9
  10. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    CTC = Center To Center, the distance between construction objects, most commonly used when discussing the distance between the center of the motor shaft and holes in the levers used on a motion simulator.
    • Like Like x 1
    noorbeast, Apr 8, 2022
    #10
  11. Metaverum

    Metaverum Member Gold Contributor

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    And how would I choose a gearbox for the motor that I have? I am not very mechanically knowledgable.
    Metaverum, Apr 8, 2022
    #11
  12. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    • Like Like x 1
    noorbeast, Apr 8, 2022
    #12
  13. Metaverum

    Metaverum Member Gold Contributor

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    Ok - I have done some preliminary research and I feel like I already have a better understanding of worm gearboxes. I can use the same motor that I have and use a coupler to attach it to a fitting worm gearbox.

    A lot of the worm gearboxes I saw online seemingly have 2 output shafts, and they connect a lever from both sides which merges into one fisheye joint? Or am I not seeing it clearly?
    Last edited: Apr 9, 2022
    Metaverum, Apr 9, 2022
    #13