Can this design of a miniature linear actuator work ?

[rosemerry]

Hello Guys ;

i had no formal education in mechanics but i wanted to build me a small linear actuator ;
size is very important because it has to fit in a very tight space ;
i wanted to post here to see if this could actually work or not ;
and to hear any suggestions that you guys might have .

here are the parts i am using :

Motor : N20 with encoder and gearbox with a reversed and Threaded rod
Picture :
(the image shows a motor with an M3 threaded rod ; the one i have is identical to that one but
has an M4*0.7 threaded rod instead)

with that i am using a Hollow internally threaded cylinder ; that should slide on the threaded rod of the
motor and act as the arm of the actuator
Picture :

and with that i am using a 4mm stainless steal shaft with a 4mm hole ball bearing
Picture :

3D printed Parts : i am intending to 3d print two walls to hold the 4mm shaft (tight fitting) ;
and make a 3d printed coupler to couple the internally threaded cylinder with
the ball bearing to prevent the cylinder from rotating on the threaded rod
i am intending to achieve the coupling via mere tightening with M1.6 Screws and nuts
Here is a montage of the design that i made with Fusion360 ; the blue elements are the 3d printed parts ; picture :

[Robin2]

That is certainly the sort of thing that that particular motor is intended for. I have some N20 motors with gearboxes (but not the type in your picture) and they seem to be extremely well constructed.

Be careful that the parts you add have as little friction as possible.

...R

[rosemerry]

Thank you very much for your quick reply !

yes thats why i added a ball bearing ; to prevent the cylinder from rotating with least amount of friction possible ;

[Paul_KD7HB]

MAy I suggest adding a simple leaf switch at each end of travel so you can have a "home" position. You could use micro-switches, but they would be harder to install.

Paul