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I'm fairly new to robotics, but I have this idea for a machine. I've done a bit of research but can't find exactly what I'm looking for. I need something that can either move back and forth at at least a 90 degree angle (like swinging a bat), changing direction on-the-fly, or something that can push an object into a wall really fast, moving back and forth with little-to-no lag time between switching directions (like a fast piston). The object being moved will be 3 to 5 pounds and it needs to be slammed against a solid surface with roughly the force of a punch.

I spent all day yesterday researching it and haven't found much. I was thinking a piston would be good, but I can't find one that moves in and out quickly enough to generate the force I need. I then thought servos sounded good, but I could only find tiny ones for little robots. A motor now seems like the best bet, but I haven't been able to find a way to make one change direction on-the-fly. I have one from an old bandsaw, but it seems like I need to rewire it any time I want to make it change direction. I know motor controllers exist for tiny robots that accomplish this but am not sure if there's something like that for a bigger motor.

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  • $\begingroup$ you can "slam" in only one direction at a time, unless the object is somehow expanding $\endgroup$
    – jsotola
    Jul 6, 2021 at 21:13
  • $\begingroup$ My mistake - I meant the slamming needs to alternate, like hit one wall then immediately reverse and hit an opposite wall. $\endgroup$
    – bgavin
    Jul 7, 2021 at 23:27
  • $\begingroup$ a spring assisted pendulum may work ... think about a playground swing .... pull back, give slight push after release, give another slight push after the first hit $\endgroup$
    – jsotola
    Jul 7, 2021 at 23:51
  • $\begingroup$ Thanks for the idea. I think I have a plan. I'm going to see how a paint mixer works. The way a reciprocating saw works might be good, too. But I'll definitely add yours to the list. $\endgroup$
    – bgavin
    Jul 9, 2021 at 17:16

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A scotch yolk will do what I'm trying to accomplish.

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  • $\begingroup$ Beautiful mechanism $\endgroup$
    – guero64
    Feb 13, 2022 at 21:22

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