Variable Linear Actuators

Projects General Guidance
1

Is there such thing as variable linear actuators?

I'm part of a student project, and my portion of the project involves the hardware and software. I need to have two-axis stabilization of a gimbal. I was planning on using two linear actuators which would operate independently of each other to achieve stability.

As I do more research on linear actuators, they seem to be mainly on off. You have one setting to fully extend the actuator and another setting to fully retract it. There seems to be no middle ground. Well, middle ground is exactly what I need. I need to be able to extend the linear actuator to all of the lengths in between fully extended and not extended at all to achieve stabilization. Do these types of linear actuators exist?

If someone could give me some info on this, that'd be awesome!

Please and Thank You

2

Linear actuators are basically motor driven screws. As long as the motor runs, the motor turns and moves the rod.

To control the position, you turn the motor on or off with the polarity to move it in the direction required.

You need to have limit switches at each end of travel to disconnect the drive power at end of travel.

To position mid way, you require positional feedback.

Weedpharma

3

For linear actuators on model planes they typically use a rotary servo and a pushrod.

If you want a linear servo instead of of a linear actuator you should try one of these:
https://www.servocity.com/html/linear_servos.html

4

Linear actuators like below have internal feedback pots. With some additional hardware you could make them operate somewhat like a servo.