Extension spring help

[zinthorne]

I am working on a project that has very tight space constraints. I am sorry but I am cannot show a picture but basically I need to move a linear ram ~1 inch with atleast 10 pounds of force. I have 2 zones .43 inches by .5 inch by 2.7 inches long on either side of the ram.

I did some research into extension springs and I was able to find extension springs that would give me ~5lb worth of force. I was wondering if you guys have any other suggestions as a power source that I could use. I cannot use CO2 or compressed air.

These are the springs I was looking at.
http://www.leespring.com/browse_catalog.asp?springType=E

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[EricH]

I'd suggest looking into electric solenoid actuators. FRC bans all but very light-duty units from use on the robots, but you may be able to find something.

Depending on your exact setup, you may be able to mount the actuation remotely from the ram itself and use the space next to it for a linkage.

[GeeTwo]

You should also look at a servo (or two) driving a rack-and-pinion setup; there are a number of servos which should fit that size constraint. While I haven't crunched the numbers, you may find that you need servos which are capable of continuous rotation to get enough force times throw in that size.