I am looking for sort of universal joint, except I don't need flexing, I need to slip in and out maintaining accuracy around the rotation of a wheel that moves in and out. Using a stepper to turn that wheel. The stepper will be fixed and be on axis with the wheels center of spin.
greg
in and out.
with the wheels
Try looking for "splined shafts" -- not actually a u-joint.
That would work. I guess vehicles have splined shafts on driveshafts so they can shorten or lengthen as necessary. I was thinking more on the lines of a hollow notched shaft with a pin on the mating shaft. I'm actually rotating something like a micrometer, not much torque. Its actually a hydraulically controlled manipulator.
greg
in and out.
with the wheels
Take a look at this family of splined shafts:
John Nagle
That might work. I have the 1/4 inch motor shaft and the drive mechanism about
1/2 inch. Its a matter of attaching. I was thinking more on the lines of a Delrin outer cylinder with a long notch in it. We can make anything here, but I was just trying to find something allready built.greg
Keep looking on that site, under "shaft assemblies":
John Nagle Animats
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