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Finding a good linear actuator

aarohi1993

Nov 14, 2012
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Nov 14, 2012
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Hi,

I am working on a project to design a seat-lift mechanism for wheelchairs. We are looking for a linear actuator with a 6'' stroke that can pull 1000 lbs weight and costs under $100 (that's our budget). Any other suggestions that would help us pull 1000lbs by 6 inches are more than welcome!

Thanks a lot! :)
 

CocaCola

Apr 7, 2012
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that can pull 1000 lbs weight

This is not an appropriate form of measurement in regards to actuators... Consider this 1000lbs of apples in a wagon with big wheels is a whole lot easier to pull 6" on a level surface then a 1000lb sack of oranges in a bag on the ground at the bottom of a hill that needs to be dragged 6" uphill...

Also for $100 you are going to likely be limited to surplus parts, so start Googling surplus actuators and hit up Ebay for surplus ones...

You also didn't mention the type of drive, because you can just go to a hardware store and get a 6" bottle jack, they are generally rated to easily lift a few tons... But if you want gears and an electric motor it's going to cost significantly more...
 

BobK

Jan 5, 2010
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Weight does seem like an approriate specification since he is talking about lifting.

Bob
 

CocaCola

Apr 7, 2012
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Weight does seem like an approriate specification since he is talking about lifting.

In one breath yes he talks about lifting in the next it's pull, now it could be pulling from an overhead height or it could be?

Either way without more details anything suggested is just a guess on the application...
 

(*steve*)

¡sǝpodᴉʇuɐ ǝɥʇ ɹɐǝɥd
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Jan 21, 2010
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True. A seat-lift mechanism may simply be a device to lift and tilt the seat to assist a person in standing up.

As such, you probably want a relatively slow smooth movement rather than a sudden actuation that launches grandma across the room.

Maybe the OP should consider a geared or lever driven device which uses a less powerful motor over a longer period of time (and with associated mechanical advantage).
 

sihaam

Nov 28, 2012
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Nov 28, 2012
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The easiest solution is to use a half ton 12V DC wench, obtainable from many motor car spares shops. They sell around $60. Simply shorten the cable or do some appropriate modification with some pulleys to increase the torque. I have used these wenches in MANY applications and they work just fine from a small car battery.
 
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(*steve*)

¡sǝpodᴉʇuɐ ǝɥʇ ɹɐǝɥd
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Jan 21, 2010
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The easiest solution is to use a half ton 12V DC wench

That is, presuming the OP's wife/girlfriend/significant other will stand for that.

In the alternative, a winch may be just as good.
 
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