Need a small remotely controlled motor w/ self-contained power

[DaveC426913]

I wish to construct a device comprised of beams that grow and shrink by as much as 300%. The beam lengths will be controlled by motors in a specific timing and sequence.

I cannot supply power or control to the motors from an external source because the object will turn itself inside out, rendering any umbilicals impossible.

I want a motor that is
- small
- battery-powered
- can be actuated remotely by a computer (via radio receiver I guess)
- can have its motion converted to a piston

Any ideas? Looking for suggestions for:
- the right motor
- how the motor will be powered (batteries will suffice)
- the way the motor will actuate the beam pistons
- a transmitter from the computer to control 32 of these motors
- the right receiver that receives the signal and activates the motor

Oh. And a "weekend hobby" budget.


An example of growing/shrinking beams can be seen here:

 

[zoobyshoe]

can have its motion converted to a piston

Are you sure you want a motor? Sounds like you might actually want a solenoid.

 

[berkeman]

I'd start with a small RC car, and look at ways to convert the rotational motion to linear motion. Some sort of screw drive would probably be the strongest...

 

[DaveC426913]

Are you sure you want a motor? Sounds like you might actually want a solenoid.

Yeah except it will need to extend by 300%. Like from one foot to 3 feet.

 

[DaveC426913]

I'd start with a small RC car, and look at ways to convert the rotational motion to linear motion. Some sort of screw drive would probably be the strongest...

Yeah. 32 RC cars...

Perhaps this project is unfeasible.

 

[berkeman]

Maybe look at car antennas that extend in multiple sections. They must have some interesting interlocking screw drive sections or something similar...

 

[DaveC426913]

Maybe look at car antennas that extend in multiple sections. They must have some interesting interlocking screw drive sections or something similar...

Ooh. now that one's a great idea! Thanks!

 

[berkeman]

There's also the multi-element extension ladder technique:

http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1T...ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi

The motor could pull on a string that extended the sections or something...

 

[Dr_Morbius]

Maybe look at car antennas that extend in multiple sections. They must have some interesting interlocking screw drive sections or something similar...

That's not how retracting car antennas work. The antenna has a flexible plastic rod inside of it that extends or retracts by winding or unwinding from a spool powered by a motor.

 

[DaveC426913]

That's not how retracting car antennas work. The antenna has a flexible plastic rod inside of it that extends or retracts by winding or unwinding from a spool powered by a motor.

The fact remains, it is the perfect tool for the job I need.

 

[zoobyshoe]

That's not how retracting car antennas work. The antenna has a flexible plastic rod inside of it that extends or retracts by winding or unwinding from a spool powered by a motor.

That's a clever mechanism. I did not know that.