In fact, it represents the most desired and versatile technology. Linear motor technology is the best solution in the context of a low load (up to 30Kgs) because it provides the highest level of speed, control and accuracy. Linear motors are divided in 3 basic categories: flat linear motor (classic), U-Channel linear motors and Tubular linear motors. Because linear motors cause lower friction losses than other devices, some linear motor products can last over a hundred million cycles. Thus, instead of producing a rotational movement, they produce a linear force along their length. Linear motors are different from electromechanical actuators, they work with the same principle as electric rotary motors, in effect it can be thought as a rotary motor which has been cut and unrolled. ) and the motor and actuator will eventually become damaged. This sets up an oscillation (open, close, open. If no brake is installed, the actuator gets activated to reclose the valve, which is slowly forced open again. When used to control the flow of fluid through a valve, a brake is typically installed above the motor to prevent the fluid pressure from forcing open the valve. While the main application of such actuators is mainly seen in health care devices and factory automation.Īnother approach is an electrohydraulic actuator, where the electric motor remains the prime mover but provides torque to operate a hydraulic accumulator that is then used to transmit actuation force in much the same way that diesel engine/hydraulics are typically used in heavy equipment.Įlectrical energy is used to actuate equipment such as multi-turn valves, or electric-powered construction and excavation equipment. The main limitation of these actuators are the reachable speed, the important dimensions and weight they require. It is possible to reach relatively high force, on the order of 100 kN. The main advantages of electromechanical actuators are their relatively good level of accuracy respect to pneumatics, their possible long lifecycle and the little maintenance effort required (might require grease). It converts the rotational force of an electric rotary motor into a linear movement to generate the requested linear movement through a mechanism either a belt (Belt Drive axis with stepper or servo) or a screw (either a ball or a lead screw or planetary roller screw ) Since 1960, several actuator technologies have been developed, Electric actuators can be classified in the following groups:Įlectromechanical actuator (EMA) This is why the driven energy behind soft actuators deal with flexible materials like certain polymers and liquids that are harmless to humans. The soft actuators apply to mainly safety and healthcare for humans which is why they are able to adapt to environments by disassembling their parts. For most actuators they are mechanically durable yet do not have an ability to adapt compared to soft actuators.
Soft actuators mainly deal with the robotics of humans rather than industry which is what most of the actuators are used for. Types of actuators Soft actuator Ī soft actuator is one that changes its shape in response to stimuli including mechanical, thermal, magnetic, and electrical. It was first created by Xhiter Anckeleman who used his knowledge of engines and brake systems to come up with a new solution to ensure that the brakes on a car exert the maximum force, with the least possible wear and tear. The history of the pneumatic actuation system and the hydraulic actuation system dates to around the time of World War II (1938).