Hello,
please, can anyone help me with an idea for adding a linear actuator on a self-steer axle?
I have an axle with a pneumatic cylinder but I wanted to know if its the cylinder that provides the force to steer the axle.
However, I want to do the same with a linear actuator. how do I calculate the force that will cause the axle to steer? and where would be the best place to mount the actuator. The application for this is a trailer

 

Well, first you will need to determine the mounting position and only then you will be able to calculate the required force to steer the axle. That is because different lever arm lengths will yield different torque generation values. The best mounting location would be one that combines an adequate lever arm length and a solid structure in the mounting position.

 

Hello, Bill, I have my mounting position and I have estimated the length I want to be able to fit it in. Please, how can I ensure that the steering arm that the connecting rod and the pushing end of the linear actuator is connected to, will not break when a linear actuator is pushing and pulling the rod with a force of almost 2000lbf. my picture shows my mounting point.

Thank you for your help

 

Hey Anthony,

You can use SolidWorks stress simulation to analyze the strength of the parts and make the proper design adjustments based on the results. Check this out: https://blogs.solidworks.com/teache...asure-stresses-strains-and-displacements.html

Alternatively, you can develop a simplified model based on the physical dimensions of your system, but then you can kiss the stress distribution analysis goodbye. In general, stress-strain analysis is very complicated to do on paper, so using a software would be your best bet here.

 

That sounds good I will do that ,I believe the critical components to test for will be the steering arm that serves as the pivot point for the connecting rod.