u/Emotional-Priority70

I’m looking for advice on the most appropriate actuation method for a mechanical setup I’m trying to scope out.

The application involves a 70kg suspended mass. The suspension length is approximately 0.5m, and I need to produce a lateral displacement of at least 150mm. My target is to achieve that displacement in around 0.5 seconds.

The motion would not be a one-off. It needs to run in a continuous back-and-forth cycle for at least 30 minutes, and ideally I would like to have some form of variable speed control.

I initially started by looking at small 24V reciprocating motors, crank actuators, and linear actuators, but I’m increasingly thinking those are the wrong class of component for this requirement, especially once continuous duty is taken into account.

What I’m trying to understand is:

• what type of actuation system is most appropriate for this kind of motion
• whether a 12V or 24V DC system is realistic
• whether I should instead be thinking in terms of:
  • geared motor with crank/eccentric linkage
  • servo motor
  • linear actuator
  • pneumatic cylinder
  • AC motor with inverter
  • another approach entirely

Because the load is suspended, I assume this is not as simple as sizing a motor to push a 70kg object horizontally. I’m guessing the problem is more about accelerating and sustaining oscillation of a pendulum-like mass, with duty cycle, peak loads, and control method all being important.

What I’d really appreciate input on is:

1. What actuator/mechanism category would you start with for this?
2. How would you approach estimating the force, torque, and power required?
3. Would continuous operation for 30+ minutes push this away from small DC solutions and into industrial motor or pneumatic territory?
4. What would be the most practical way to add speed control for this kind of repeated oscillating motion?
5. Are there any obvious mechanical issues or failure points I should be considering early on?

I’m not expecting a full design, just trying to understand what class of system is appropriate before I spend more time looking at unsuitable motors.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

I’m looking for some advice on the best way to achieve a specific movement mechanically, because I think I may have started by looking at completely the wrong type of motor.

What I need to do is move a 70kg object that is suspended. The object hangs from a point around 0.5m above, and I need to be able to push it sideways by at least 15cm in about 0.5 seconds.

The important extra detail is that this motion would need to be continuous back and forth for at least 30 minutes, rather than just a one-off movement. Ideally I’d also like to be able to control the speed, or at least adjust it within a reasonable range.

I originally started by looking at small 24V reciprocating motors / linear actuators / crank motors, but I’m now realising this may need something much more substantial.

I’m trying to understand:

• what type of mechanism would actually be suitable for this
• whether this is realistic with 12V/24V DC
• whether I should instead be looking at:
  • a geared motor with a crank linkage
  • a linear actuator
  • a servo motor
  • a pneumatic actuator
  • or something else entirely

Because the load is suspended, I’m guessing the maths may be different from just pushing a 70kg object across a surface, and I’m not sure whether I should be thinking more in terms of inertia, pendulum forces, acceleration, and continuous duty cycle.

Ideally I’d like advice on:

1. what kind of actuator or motor category I should be researching
2. how to estimate the force/torque required
3. whether this is practical in a compact setup
4. what would be the most reliable way to achieve this repeatedly for 30+ minutes continuously
5. how best to add speed control

I’m not asking anyone to fully design it for me, just trying to understand what sort of system is actually appropriate before I go too far down the wrong path.

Any advice appreciated.

I’m looking for some advice on the best way to achieve a specific movement mechanically, because I think I may have started by looking at completely the wrong type of motor.

What I need to do is move a 70kg object that is suspended. The object hangs from a point around 0.5m above, and I need to be able to push it sideways by at least 15cm in about 0.5 seconds.

The important extra detail is that this motion would need to be continuous back and forth for at least 30 minutes, rather than just a one-off movement. Ideally I’d also like to be able to control the speed, or at least adjust it within a reasonable range.

I originally started by looking at small 24V reciprocating motors / linear actuators / crank motors, but I’m now realising this may need something much more substantial.

I’m trying to understand:

• what type of mechanism would actually be suitable for this
• whether this is realistic with 12V/24V DC
• whether I should instead be looking at:
  • a geared motor with a crank linkage
  • a linear actuator
  • a servo motor
  • a pneumatic actuator
  • or something else entirely

Because the load is suspended, I’m guessing the maths may be different from just pushing a 70kg object across a surface, and I’m not sure whether I should be thinking more in terms of inertia, pendulum forces, acceleration, and continuous duty cycle.

Ideally I’d like advice on:

1. what kind of actuator or motor category I should be researching
2. how to estimate the force/torque required
3. whether this is practical in a compact setup
4. what would be the most reliable way to achieve this repeatedly for 30+ minutes continuously
5. how best to add speed control

I’m not asking anyone to fully design it for me, just trying to understand what sort of system is actually appropriate before I go too far down the wrong path.

Any advice appreciated.