I have a needle (0.2mm dia, 3mm length) with one end fixed to a suspension. I need an actuator to slowly approach the open end of the needle until they are in contact, and then stay at that position. The contact force between actuator and the needle must be sub-millinewton. Would a piezo actuator stacked with a piezo force sensor work for this situation?
By the way, there is no room for a microscope to determine if contact is achieved. And cost of actuator/sensor device is a concern.
Dear Xiaobing
Firgelli micro linear actuators may be a good option
http://www.firgelli.com/
perhaps you can use a pressure sensor to detect contact.
regards Gerro
I don't know how much money you can spend, But I would you a step motor with microsteps or a precision servomotor.
I think the best solution to measure the touch is by using some capacitance measurement in the needle. The capacitance will change when the they touch. You can also apply a small voltage where the needle is going to contact and measure the potential in the needle.
The touching maybe detected as increasing of actuator current - it start to increase with physical contact as well. Which kind of actuator you plan to use?
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