Need Information on Actuated "Joints"

As far as I know such devices are not available as standards but can be designed according to what your need is. The principle would be as for clutches with solenoids as actuators.

Yes,Thank you. That's what I'm also doing... using linear actuators... only thing is, I'll have to look for very compact ones, and to care of "locking" the "connecting element" in the position...

If you want to Lock in place there are solenoids with locking function but those are NOT as clutches they have no friction pads so that you can only connect when the 2 parts are in a proper relative position. The principle is a pin coupled with the solenoid and protruding when current = 0. For disengagement the friction on the side of pin limits the transmissible force since the solenoid acts against it.

If you want to engage or disengage even in movement and under load then you can only use a friction type which has to be designed according to your requirements.

If you intend to subcontract the design you may use the private channel for further communication.

As you mention a requirement for "compactness", It appears you will need to multiply the force available from your linear actuator.

That is why I mentioned a rotary incline or cam-lock.

The linear actuator could drive a latch through an "over-center" action.

These are merely suggestions and can be discounted by superior intellect and mechanical inclination.

Carrier based aircraft have wing fold systems that use hydraulics to drive locking pins through mated tabs.

A very brief google search did not produce any information on these systems, maybe you would have better luck.

Another method could be a rotary inclined ramp and pin or cam type device.

I don't understand the question. Might a picture help?

Would something like magswitch help?

Arranged linearly? As in end to end, or side by side, or alternating left and right like footsteps? How much overlap, if any? What slides in relation to what else? What has to be gripped versus what has to slide? I agree that a picture would help.

Thank you very much, for all of you. You can imagine it as series of "Rectangular tori", (pl of Torus).

They are all arranged in vertical plane. The objective is to connect or disconnect "rectangular tube" part of tori, which are side by side.

like this---->

l-l This would be "connected" or "engaged" state. (depicting neighboring sides of two different "rectangular tori")

l l This would be "disconnected" or "disengaged" state.

I hope this is sufficient for understanding. I'm finalizing with a linear actuator and locking the "connecter" type of design. I'll have to fine tune design to get a compact one, though.

Also, there seems to be some opportunity in these kinds of designs. Some might think about using it..

Thank you, once again.

Sounds as though you need something like an elongated press stud, with a collar split lengthwise so that the two halves can move together to lock or apart to unlock.

Better still split the stud and use a tapered pin to force the halves apart to lock; withdraw the tapered pin to allow the halves to close and thus unlock the joint.

http://www.amacoil.com/

I believe this company's actuator is 'safe' when not actuating. check it out.

chrisg288,

Although I have now become COMPLETELY unclear on the OP's concept, at least I come away from this thread with another great link.

Thanks.