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Steering via Linear Actuator

I need -

Simple steering / Split rack system. 6 inch travel cylinders (X2) if one extends, one contracts by the same amount, controlled by steering wheel (rotary control). Always returning to "home" (center)

Cannot be a rack (which would be easier) for reasons I will explain if needed.

I can get sylinders from one of dozens of suppliers, it is the controls I need, programming. Cylinder suppliers say "look at our catalogue" On board PC is available if that helps.

Sounds simple to me, anyone know where I can find someone who can help?

Reply to
Sparky
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I have a backhoe which does this - but it does not actually bother to "extend" the cylinder that extends - if just applies pressure to the one that pulls in, and permits the one that is extending to vent fluid back to the reservior (through a restriction, so it doesn't flop). The ends are attached with a chain, and the back side of the cylinders are cross-connected, but only have air in them.

With a rigid, rather than chain, connection, you could use two push cylinders rather than two pull cylinders.

If you really want one pushing and one pulling at the same time, it gets tricky, as they push and pull by asymmetric amounts.

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Cats, coffee, chocolate...vices to live by
Reply to
Ecnerwal

Do you need the boards designed, or the programming done? Using already-made boards is definitely cheaper for short run production if you can live with the size.

I can do either -- contact me off list for details if you're interested.

--

Tim Wescott
Wescott Design Services
http://www.wescottdesign.com

Do you need to implement control loops in software?
"Applied Control Theory for Embedded Systems" gives you just what it says.
See details at http://www.wescottdesign.com/actfes/actfes.html
Reply to
Tim Wescott

Why not just one cylinder and a drag link? The last power steering I looked had just the one.

Thanks, Rich

Reply to
Rich Grise

One cylinder, outputs on both ends, right?

used in tractors/earth moving equipment and... marine applications for rudder control.

Reply to
PeterD

The one I saw was a single-ended, albeit double-action cylinder, i.e., one piston rod, but with ports for "push" and "pull". It was for power steering on a car; I have no idea how they compensated for the different push/pull force.

Cheers! Rich

Reply to
Rich Grise

Easiest way to explain the need for two linear actuators, seperate, no drag link - pretend the left wheel being steered and the right wheel being steered are seperated by a mile or so.

Reply to
Sparky

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