Hello lemgineers!
I’m working on designing a claw that can be operated underwater. The plan is to use a linear actuator in a waterproof housing. The main issue is allowing the shaft to slide through without causing a leak. What’s the best way to go about this?
I’m late to the party, but I’m not sure why nobody mentioned the keyword “stuffing box”. That’s what this exact part is called in maritime operations, and as the name suggests it was traditionally a box packed with something to slow down the movement of water. You still have to bail on the other end, though, because it’s not perfect.
However, since it’s just a linear actuator it’d be simpler to go with an accordion-type covering. At shallow depths you could use a normal plastic one, if it needs to go deep metal ones exist. That’s much simpler to deal with than an actual sliding bearing.