ACTUATOR

WHAT IS AN ACTUATOR?

A mechanical device for moving or controlling something

TYPES OF ACTUATORS
Hydraulic actuators Pneumatic actuators Electric motors - servomotor - stepper motor - direct-drive electric motor Shape memory metal actuator Magnetostrictive actuators

CHARACTERISTICS OF ACTUATING SYSTEMS

Weight, power-to-weight ratio, operating pressure Stiffness Vs Compliance Use of reduction gears

WEIGHT, POWER-TO-WEIGHT RATIO, OPERATING PRESSURE Higher the voltage of a electric motor, higher will be the power-to-weight ratio Pneumatic cylinders has the lowest powerto-weight ratio Hydraulic systems have the highest powerto-weight ratio

STIFFNESS

COMPLIANCE

Stiffer the system, more load is needed to deform it Hydraulic systems are very stiff and noncompliant More accurate

Compliant the system, the easier it deforms under the load Pneumatic systems are compliant Inaccurate

STIFFNESS VS COMPLIANCE

USE OF REDUCTION GEARS

Hydraulic Devices No need to use reduction gears

Electric Motors Need reduction gears

HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR
Offer High power-to-weight ratio, large forces at low speeds (both linear and rotary actuation) Tolerance of Extreme hazardous environments Used in past, mostly in automobile productions. Not used anymore due to leakage problems.

EXAMPLE OF HYDRAULIC ACTUATORS

WHEN TO USE HYDRAULICS

Large Force, High Power applications High power density Accurate control Rugged environments (explosive, dusty,etc)

A HYDRAULIC SYSTEM CONSISTS OF FOLLOWING PARTS

Hydraulic linear or rotary cylinder and rams Hydraulic Pump Electric motor Cooling system Reservoir Servovalve Safety check valves Connecting hoses Sensors

FIGURE: SCHEMATIC OF A SPOOL VALVE IN NEUTRAL POSITION

FIGURE: SCHEMATIC OF A HYDRAULIC SYSTEM AND ITS COMPONENTS

FIGURE: SCHEMATIC OF A SIMPLE CONTROL DEVICE WITH PROPORTIONAL FEEDBACK

FIGURE: BLOCK DIAGRAM OF THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM WITH PROPORTIONAL FEEDBACK CONTROL SCHEME

APPLICATIONS OF HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS

Heavy Plant Steel press Large-scale precision motion tables Mobile Systems Steering, brakes Propulsion and transmission Aerospace Aerolon actuation in aircraft Fin actuation in missiles/rockets