Linear actuator using flex axles

[Zerobricks]

I was playing with (now old tyled) 16 tooth gears and managed to make a simple reversable linear actuator. I dont have any use for it at the moment. It requires 2 and a half turns for the slider to slide from one end to another.

Any ideas for its use? Only one I found out is for spinning spinners

Edited December 16, 2010 by Zblj

[roamingstop]

Any ideas for its use? Only one I found out is for spinning spinners

Integrating a Combine Harvestor?

Archimedes Screw in Roman Times?

[fmix]

Very interesting idea!

It could be a kind of conveyor if an outlet is implemented.

[DLuders]

What about using some x334c01 "Technic, Axle Flexible 26L (Axle 2L and 5L Ends) with Dark Gray Cable" parts in place of the (weaker) flex axles?

[aeh5040]

Nice! I like it alot.

Applications? The ZIL screw drive springs to mind...

[Tobbe Arnesson]

Interesting contraption, but at that scale I think worm gear and gear racks are perhaps a better option.

I also believe most comments here does not realize it's an linear actuator, i.e. the black and white piece in the middle moves along the screw...

[grindinggears]

This is irony!

A few days after the 16 Tooth gear has lost its holes that AFAIK noone put to good use...

You come out with an idea that utilizes them

I agree to aeh5040, a more sophisticated screw drive would be a nice application. Maybe one can enlarge the axle in the middle by placing rims on it and then wrap the flex axles around it to not let the gears touch ground.

Edited December 17, 2010 by grindinggears

[Erik Leppen]

Some nice out of the box thinking you've done here. I like it :D Don't know how you can actually use it, but I like the concept.

This is irony!

A few days after the 16 Tooth gear has lost its holes that AFAIK noone put to good use...

You come out with an idea that utilizes them

Lol, so true

[LegOscar]

How resourceful! Very nice.