Pan-tilt mechanism research

Potential Design One

Taking inspiration from ECO-worthy linear actuator controller

This design does not have a rotational mechanism, but two linear actuators and three hinges. The hinges permit it to tilt in different directions, simulating a rotation.

Pros:

• Linear actuators can resist change in motion i.e. when you power them to a certain position, they will stay there and not consume extra power.
• Linear actuators are somewhat cheap
• All materials for this design can be bought locally, like Lowe's
• Existing template for this design exists. Maximum load with their actuator and trigonometry is 330 lbs, which is more than enough to carry five solar panels.

Cons:

• Linear actuators don't have encoders, so we would need to attach a position sensor or accelerometer to the motor.

Same linear actuators can be found on Banggood Linear actuators