So, this might be a somewhat strange need, as I don't seem to see many resources on this. I'm trying to create a device where I can set an amount of force for it to generate, and when it would behave as such:
- If there is no or only a small opposing force, it would drive forward in the direction of the force.
- If there is a constant force being applied that is equal and opposite to the force being generated, it would stall indefinitely without damage.
- If there is an opposing force larger than the generated force, it would be pushed back, while still providing the constant force as a resistance, therefore reducing the effective backward force; and it should be able to handle all this without damage.
- All this only need to occur in the range of no more than 5 cm, and the simpler and smaller the system is, the better.
I was wondering if a linear motor, considering that they are also called a force motor, can handle such a demand, and if so, what type? There's also the concern that such a small linear motor can't be found anywhere (or might be prohibitively expensive).
Another thought that I had was to use a torque motor (with some gears to translate torque into linear force, of course), but I couldn't find a definitive source saying that those can indeed provide a constant torque even when being pushed back by the load, I just see that they provide high torque at low speed. Also, on the topic of torque motors, do DC torque motors exist, or are they AC only?
Of course, if you have a better idea for achieving this need of a constant force no matter what's actually happening in terms of movement and outside load, please let me know!
Finally, please do tell me if you think a different community would be a better place for this question.
Thank you all for your time!
