Hmmm... I will think about part count. Ether using loner gears and a clip at the end (one printed part and a screw is all it would be) would be easy, but I think a I can come up with an easy and low part count way to use springs (let me sit on it for a while).
My biggest concern would be the hinging point with a metal gear. I have to think about that as well.
In addition, it may be better to use a very small gear on the motor and direct drive it. That will keep the points as close to each other as possible. This would keep accuracy high, as well as torque and even increase the movement range (as this design will have a limited extension).
Here is a question, Is there any reason NOT to use a metal rack gear? They are cheap and fairly available.
My biggest concern would be the hinging point with a metal gear. I have to think about that as well.
In addition, it may be better to use a very small gear on the motor and direct drive it. That will keep the points as close to each other as possible. This would keep accuracy high, as well as torque and even increase the movement range (as this design will have a limited extension).
Here is a question, Is there any reason NOT to use a metal rack gear? They are cheap and fairly available.