Lab#11

Introduction to “Switches” and “Actuator”

Introduction to Switches:
It is an act of changing to or adopting one thing in place of another, interrupting the current or
diverting it from one conductor to another.

Objectives of Switches:
Objectives are to encourage the target audience to switch brands. Advertising is one part of the
promotional mix, and therefore advertising objectives will be set in line with overall Promotional
and Marketing Objectives.
For example, a switch can connect your computers, printers and servers, creating a network of
shared resources. The switch would serve as a controller, allowing the various devices to share
information and talk to each other.

Types of Switches:
Single Pole Single Throw Switch (SPST):

The basic ON and OFF switch consisting of one input contact and one output contact. It
switches a single circuit and it can either make (ON) or break (OFF) the load. The contacts of
SPST can be either normally open or normally closed configurations.

Double Pole Single Throw Switch (DPST):

It behaves like a two separate SPST configurations, operating at the same time This switch
consists of four terminals,two input contacts and two output contacts. It has only one ON
position, but it can actuate the two contacts simultaneously, such that each input contact will
be connected to its corresponding output contact. In OFF position both switches are at open
state. This type of switches is used for controlling two different circuits at a time.

Pressure Switches:

This type of switches are commonly used in industrial applications in order to sense the
pressure of hydraulic systems and pneumatic devices. Depends on the range of pressure to be
measured, these pressure switches are classified into diaphragm operated pressure switch,
metal bellow type pressure switch and piston type pressure switch. In all these types, pressure
detection element operates a set of contacts (which can be either double pole or single pole

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contacts). This switch symbol consist a half-circle connected to a line in which flat part
indicates a diaphragm. These switches may be either normally open or normally closed type
configurations.

Temperature Switches:

The bimetallic strips are made with two dissimilar metals (that are having different thermal
expansion rates) and are bonded with each other. The most common heat sensing element is
the bimetallic strip that operates on the principle of thermal expansion. The switch contacts are
operated when the temperature causes the strip to bend or wrap. Another method of operating
the temperature switch is to use mercury glass tube. When the bulb is heated, mercury in the
tube will expand and then generates pressure to operate the contacts.

Introduction To Actuator:
An actuator is a component of a machine that is responsible for moving and controlling a
mechanism or system, for example by opening a (valve). In simple terms, it is a "mover".
An actuator requires a control signal and a source of energy. An actuator is a component of a
machine that is responsible for moving and controlling a mechanism or system, for example by
opening a (valve). In simple terms, it is a "mover". An actuator requires a control signal and a
source of energy.

Objective of Actuator:
 What is actuator.
 Know about two different types of actuators work.

Different Types of Actuators:

 Actuators are motors responsible for controlling or moving a system or mechanism. In
order to operate, an actuator needs an energy source, which is usually hydraulic fluid
pressure, electric current or pneumatic pressure, which works by converting energy into
motion.
 Comb drive.
 Hydraulic piston.
 Electric motor.
 Relay.
 Thermal bimorph.
 Digital micro mirror device.
 Piezoelectric actuator.
 Electro active polymer.

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Applications for Actuators:

 Actuators are commonly used in engineering as a means of introducing motion. However,
they can also be clamped onto an option in an effort to stop motion. There are several
different applications for which actuators are used to include:
 Comb drive
 Hydraulic piston
 Electric motor
 Relay
 Thermal bimorph
 Digital micro mirror device
 Piezoelectric actuator
 Electro active polymer
 Servomechanism

Comparison between Sensor, Switches and Actuator:

Sensor Switches Actuators

A sensor is a device that
detects and responds to some
type of input from the
physical environment. The
specific input could be light,
heat, motion, moisture,
pressure, or any one of a great
number of other
environmental phenomena.
The output is generally a
signal that is converted to
human-readable display at the
sensor location or transmitted
electronically over a network
for reading or further
processing.
A switch is used to network
multiple computers together.
Switches made for the
consumer market are
typically small, flat boxes
with 4 to 8 Ethernet ports.
These ports can connect to
computers, cable or DSL
modems, and other switches.
High-end switches can have
more than 50 ports and often
are rack mounted.
An actuator is something that
converts energy into motion.
It also can be used to apply a
force. An actuator typically is
a mechanical device that
takes energy — usually
energy that is created by air,
electricity or liquid — and
converts it into some kind of
motion. That motion can be
in virtually any form, such as
blocking, clamping or
ejecting. Actuators typically
are used in manufacturing or
industrial applications and
might be used in devices such
as motors, pumps, switches
and valves.

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Conclusion:
From this lab we know about the switches that what purpose switches use and what, s the
application of switches and know about actuator that how actuator work and how it is use to
convert energy into motion.

MUHAMMAD YASIR 28.12.18 16PWIND0408(A)