I need to provide constant downward forces with an actuator. The forces will be between 50 and 98 N. I am thinking of using a load cell with the actuator to keep the force constant, but I am not sure what the easiest way to do this is; if I connected the actuator to an LAC and the load cell to a bridge sensor interface, and both to a computer with USB, what would be the easiest way to control the actuator to keep a constant force? Could I send small enough position adjustments to the actuator to keep the force constant? Would it be easier to use an Arduino? Is there a simpler way of doing this?
I am new to all of this so any help is much appreciated
You’re certainly on the right track with a linear actuator and load cell. In your case, the input would simply be the force, and the output would be to a DC motor controller which controls the actuator’s speed and direction. You’d likely need to implement a P.I.D. algorithm on a microcontroller to have your actuator both move in the right direction and then stop when the desired force is reached. A second potential consideration would be the stroke itself, so using an actuator with position feedback would help you know when to stop and/or how far the actuator has extended. Most simple two wire actuators have limit switches which stop the actuator at min/max stroke. Regarding sending small enough increments / commands, it depends on the minimum speed / load to get the actuator moving. If the actuator you choose can provide considerably more than 98N, then there should not be a problem operating it at low speeds.
