IoT Actuator - Electric Linear Actuator

summarize

The Internet of Things (IoT) is widely used in industrial production, in automated production lines thatSensors & ActuatorsPlaying a vital job. Electric linear actuators are an important part of modern manufacturing and design. With the rise of industrial automation, electric motors and actuators are becoming increasingly important in a variety of applications such as robotics, automation systems, and process control. But what exactly is an electric linear actuator? And how does it work? In this article, we'll look at the principles behind electric actuators and discuss their various applications in manufacturing. By understanding how these devices work, you'll gain a better understanding of their importance in modern industry. Continue reading to learn more!

What is an electric linear actuator

An electric actuator is a device that uses electricity to move or control a load. The load can be anything from a simple door to a complex machine. Electric actuators come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all work on the same principle. When an electric current is applied to an actuator, a magnetic field is created. This magnetic field interacts with the actuator's armature, causing it to move. The amount of movement is determined by the strength of the current and the design of the actuator.

An electric linear actuator is an electro-mechanical linear actuator consisting of a motor, a linear guide and a drive mechanism used to convert electrical energy into linear displacement by mechanical transmission, electromagnetism or thermal expansion to provide linear push/pull motion. Electro-mechanical linear actuators are mainly used in automation applications when controlled linear movement of machine parts, tools, etc. to a specific position is required. They are widely used in industries where linear positioning is required. The actuators are driven in a variety of ways, including ball or screw, belt or voice coil. Typical applications include opening and closing dampers, locking doors, brake motions, etc.

Role of electric actuators

An electric actuator is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. The most common type of electric actuator is the solenoid, which consists of a coil of wire that creates a magnetic field when current is passed through it. Solenoids are used in a variety of applications including door locks, car starters, and vending machines.

Electric motors are another type of electric actuator. Electric motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy by using electromagnetic forces to rotate an object called a rotor. The rotor is connected to a shaft, which can be used to power machinery or other devices. Electric motors are used in a wide range of products from toys to automobiles.

Electric actuators are used in many different industries, including automotive, aerospace and medical, and they are essential components in many of the products and equipment we use every day.

categorization

Linear actuators come in a variety of configurations to suit any possible application, environment, setting or industry. They are categorized by their mechanical drive mechanism, guide rails and housing. Some common types are described below

• Mechanical actuators
  Mechanical actuators are the simplest form of actuator and convert rotary motion into linear motion. Ball screw, screw, rack and pinion, belt drive and cam actuators are categorized as mechanical
• Hydraulic actuator
  Hydraulic actuators are hydraulic cylinders with a piston that uses an incompressible fluid to create an unbalanced pressure on the piston to produce linear displacement.
• Pneumatic actuator
  Pneumatic actuators produce low to medium forces quickly and are used as servo devices. Pneumatic linear actuators use compressed air to convert energy into mechanical motion. They consist of pistons, cylinders and valves or ports that can produce linear or rotary mechanical motion.
• Piezo Actuator
  Piezoelectric actuators use the piezoelectric effect, which is the generation of electricity from pressure and latent heat, to cause electromechanical interactions between mechanical and electrical states. Piezoceramic actuators have multiple layers of piezoceramic elements, such as ceramics, which combine the effects of the expansion of each element to produce motion.
• Coil actuator
  A coil actuator has a magnet that generates a magnetic field that produces an electric current to move the coil to create motion in a shaft or slide, with the force of the motion being proportional to the number of turns and flux of the coil and the electric current, with an increase in current increasing the force.
• Electromechanical actuators
  Electromechanical actuators are programmable so that force and motion profiles can be changed using a computer. Although electromechanical actuators are similar to mechanical actuators, they are distinctly different because they use a variety of motors (such as DC brushless, stepper, or servo types) to produce rotary motion, Some of the different aspects of electromechanical actuators are simplified, standardized, and compact designs.
• Telescopic actuator
  Telescopic actuators are used where space is limited and come in a variety of forms including rigid bands, segmented spindles, rigid chain strips and spiral bands. A common form of telescoping linear actuators are tubes of equal lengths that extend and retract within each other, much like handheld telescopes. The range of motion of a telescopic actuator is greater than its unexpanded length.
• ball slide Ball-guided positioning linear slides offer precise accuracy and stiffness. They offer low friction and smooth, accurate motion for a variety of load configurations. The balls run on a pair of rails and do not rub, wear or slip when preloaded. They are non-magnetic, ideal for applications where magnetic interference needs to be avoided.

Usage Scenarios

space exploration
In space exploration, every part of the equipment must be maximized while reducing weight. Miniature linear actuators save space and can be used to operate robots and perform secondary tasks. They are used for opening and closing valves, tracking, securing locking systems and moving robotic arms.

motor vehicles

One of the most common uses for automotive linear actuators is for power tailgates. Automatically opening and closing tailgates has become very popular and convenient. Linear actuators are also used to open and close side doors and activate air brakes.

medical care
Linear actuators are part of state-of-the-art medical equipment. One of the key functions of a healthcare professional is to elevate the patient, which can be more easily accomplished with a linear actuator on the bed and a chair recliner. Nurses can easily adjust the height of the bed in order to provide treatment to the patient. Monitoring equipment such as ventilators and temperature control devices use linear actuators to adjust their heights

snow blower

One of the problems with operating a snow blower is constantly changing the direction of the chute. Since operating a snow blower requires the use of both hands, it is difficult to reach up and change the position of the chute. The latest development in linear actuator technology is a switch that changes the position of the chute by pressing the thumb on the activation switch.

mechanical person

The automotive industry is using robots to improve production quality and accuracy while controlling production costs. Motorized linear actuators control and repeat precise movements, control the speed of acceleration and deceleration, and control the amount of force required. In a bar feeder, an actuator with a controller inserts the bar into the machine and adjusts the optimum height. Rodless actuators are able to move pallets and position wood for cutting and packaging.

Related Suppliers

Globally, the core manufacturers of Electric Linear Actuators mainly include the key producers including:Newport Company,Zaber,Edmund Optics,Progressive Automations,LINAK,Nook Industries,Thorlabs, First Transmission Technologies,Physik Instrumente,Actuonix Motion Devices,Quanzhou Optoelectronics,Parker,Venture Mfg. Co. , NSK Americas,ABB,Emerson Electric,SKF,Honeywell,THKThe IAI,Chiaphua Components,Moteck Electric, Aumaet al. (and other authors)