I'm looking for a certain component – not a concrete shopping recommendation, but rather if this kind of device exists and what it is called.
I need a little actuator that has the following properties:
- linear motion (travel ~1 cm)
- no intermediate steps required (just goes full to the left or to the right)
- fast switching
- no high force neccessary (should just be able to flip a mechanical switch)
- small package size (say 3x3x1.5 cm)
What I'm looking for is basically this:
I put on a voltage, and the rod bumps out to the left. Reverse the voltage and it bumps to the right. The rod should be protected from fall out by a tab, but there need not be a spring to force it back to the middle. It can remain where it is when there is no current.
If I hold the current for a few seconds, it would be great if it would remain excerting a force, but it would be also ok if the force would be cut – it should just not melt.
I've found solenoid actors, but they are mostly just push or pull type, with a spring, and also they are too bulky:
What I'm also not looking for is the kind of linear actuator where you have a rotating motor, and that pushes a screw out or in. I really just need a "bang a little rod to the left or right" solenoid in a box. Any idea where I can find this (or a suitable replacement)?
Best Answer
So, at least I found out that what I am looking for exists. It is called a reversible (or double-action) solenoid actor *. Here is a link to an example product listing.
Unfortunately, all reversible solenoid actors I found on the market are rather big, and my idea behind using one was that I wanted something with a small form factor (smaller than e.g. a step motor or rotational actuator). It seems, if I ever get around to building my project, I would just place a magnet on the thing I want to push, and place a reversible electromagnet at some distance.
* I actually found it via the German term, Umkehrhubmagnet (in case it helps anybody).