Force emitted from one solid only effecting a certain area of another object (Simscape Multibody)

I am trying to create a Simscape Multibody model where Object A emits a force onto Object B. The force act downwards onto B, pushing it horizontally along a linear guide.

Object A is smaller than Object B, so the force from A only effects a certain portion of B. As B moves along the guide, the portion of B that is effected by the force changes (as shown in the diagrams).

How would I go about achieving this?

Answer 1

[Steve Miller]

Hi Sam,

It depends what assumptions you are making:

1. Can part B only move along an axis? 2 axes? Can it rotate?
2. Is part B rigid?
3. Is the force from part A only along an axis?

If we assume part B is rigid and can only move along one axis, then I would

1. Use a Transform Sensor to measure the distance between the CG of part A and part B along the axis of movement
2. If that distance is less than (length of A - length of B)/2, force is maximum
3. If that distance is more than (length of A + length of B)/2, force is zero
4. Else, ramp the force from (0 - maximum) based on the separation.

The force can be applied to the joint connecting B to ground, or with an External Force and Torque block.

--Steve