Linear Actuators?

[glennword]

I was also going to mention artificial muscle, but Ive not heard of this muscle wire. Is it artificial muscle, or is it closer to the wires used to actuate bicycle brakes?

[Dale]

SMA or muscle wire isn't like a bike cable. It's wire that remembers it's shape and returns to that shape by heating (usually through electric current) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shape-memory_alloy. A couple of videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9f-W6Xi_Wo and http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=Mh31B4Ryn9U

[EricH]

Ya know... There hasn't been anything in the rules about linear actuators being illegal.

However, the integral motors used to power them have been illegal. So, it's perfectly legitimate to build a linear actuator with a KOP motor--or remove the motor from a COTS linear actuator and replace it with a legal motor. Just make sure that if you go the latter route, you have documentation.

Also, look up "leadscrew".


Of course, I don't know the 2013 rules yet, so maybe there will be an allowance for said actuators.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Please see R48 listing the only legal motors, servos and solenoids. There is no provisions for muscle wire. You may however use a similar product that is pneumatically operated and was supplied in the KOP last year.