Actuators

Extracted Attributes

• Device Type

  Transducer

• Common Examples

  Electric actuators (DC motor, stepper motor), pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders

• Role in Systems

  Enables automation and automatic control

• Primary Function

  Converts an input signal (electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic energy) into mechanical force, torque, or displacement

• Output Motion Types

  Linear, Rotational

• Required Components

  Control device (provides control signal), energy source

• Key Application Areas

  Manufacturing, Transportation, Energy, Healthcare, Robotics (e.g., robotic arms, material handling systems)

• Classification (Drive Type)

  Incremental-drive (e.g., stepper motors), Continuous-drive (e.g., DC torque motors, hydraulic motors, induction motors, piston-cylinder drives)

Timeline

• Identified as a current technological hurdle in the development of autonomous robots, as discussed in the All-In Podcast. (Source: related_documents)

  2024-01-15

Actuator

An actuator is a component of a machine that produces force, torque, or displacement, when an electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic input is supplied to it in a system (called an actuating system). The effect is usually produced in a controlled way. An actuator translates such an input signal into the required form of mechanical energy. It is a type of transducer. In simple terms, it is a "mover". An actuator requires a control device (which provides control signal) and a source of energy. The control signal is relatively low in energy and may be voltage, electric current, pneumatic, or hydraulic fluid pressure, or even human power. In the electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic sense, it is a form of automation or automatic control. The displacement achieved is commonly linear or rotational, as exemplified by linear motors and rotary motors, respectively. Rotary motion is more natural for small machines making large displacements. By means of a leadscrew, rotary motion can be adapted to function as a linear actuator (which produces a linear motion, but is not a linear motor). Another broad classification of actuators separates them into two types: incremental-drive actuators and continuous-drive actuators. Stepper motors are one type of incremental-drive actuators. Examples of continuous-drive actuators include DC torque motors, induction motors, hydraulic and pneumatic motors, and piston-cylinder drives (rams).

Web Search Results

• Actuator - Wikipedia

  An actuator is a component of a machine that produces force, torque, or displacement "Displacement (geometry)"), when an electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic input is supplied to it in a system (called an actuating system). The effect is usually produced in a controlled way. An actuator translates such an input signal into the required form of mechanical energy. It is a type of transducer. In simple terms, it is a "mover". [...] An actuator requires a control device (which provides control signal) and a source of energy. The control signal is relatively low in energy and may be voltage, electric current, pneumatic, or hydraulic fluid pressure, or even human power[clarification needed]. In the electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic sense, it is a form of automation or automatic control. [...] In engineering, actuators are frequently used as mechanisms to introduce motion, or to clamp an object so as to prevent motion. In electronic engineering, actuators are a subdivision of transducers. They are devices which transform an input signal (mainly an electrical signal) into some form of motion. ### Examples of actuators [edit]

• 5 Different Uses for Actuators - Firgelli Automations

  An actuator is a mechanical or electromechanical device that converts energy into motion or force. These devices are used to move or control a system or mechanism by converting various types of energy into physical motion. Actuators play an essential role in various industrial applications, including manufacturing, transportation, energy, and healthcare, among others. There are several types of actuators, including: [...] Overall, actuators are critical components of modern technology and play an essential role in various applications. They allow for precise control over mechanical systems, which increases efficiency, accuracy, and safety. ## Here are 5 different types of Actuators: [...] The most common type of actuator varies depending on the specific industry and application. However, some of the most commonly used types of actuators are electric actuators, particularly those that use a simple DC motor or stepper motor. Electric actuators are versatile, reliable, and cost-effective, making them suitable for a wide range of applications in various industries. They can be used in everything from simple tasks, like opening and closing a valve, to more complex tasks, like

• Actuators: what is it, definition, types and how does it work

  An actuator is a part of a device or machine that helps it to achieve physical movements by converting energy, often electrical, air, or hydraulic, into mechanical force. Simply put, it is the component in any machine that enables movement. [...] Defined simply, an actuator is a device that converts energy, which may be electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc., to mechanical in such a way that it can be controlled. The quantity and the nature of input depend on the kind of energy to be converted and the function of the actuator. Electric and piezoelectric actuators, for instance, work on the input of electric current or voltage, for hydraulic actuators, its incompressible liquid, and for pneumatic actuators, the input is air. The output is [...] They are not just seen in large applications. At home, actuators are the critical devices that help you to set up consoles or cabinets that could hold televisions and can be opened at the touch of a button. They are also seen in TV and table lifts which users can adjust through electric switches or buttons at their convenience.

• What Is An Actuator - Types and Applications - Tameson.com

  An actuator is a device that receives an energy input and converts it into motion or force and is an essential component in many modern technologies and engineering fields. From robotics to renewable energy, actuators play a critical role in controlling and automating various processes and systems. They come in many different forms and types, each with unique capabilities and use, for example, a handwheel (Figure 1 up), a simple pneumatic cylinder (Figure 1 center), or a complex electrical [...] There are various types of actuators, including pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, magnetic and thermal, and mechanical, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. The type of actuator used in an application depends on the specific requirements of that application, such as the level of force, response time, and durability needed. Learn more about these two types of actuators in our article that covers the difference between pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders. An electric actuator [...] ## FAQs ### What is the role of an actuator in a system? Actuators convert energy into work by responding to a control signal. This results in motion. ### What could cause actuators to fail prematurely? Typically, actuators fail due to application errors like excessive loading, poor mounting fixity, incorrect wiring, and exceeding duty cycle. Such issues can be avoided through a thorough system review and regular maintenance. ### Can actuators be repaired?

• What is an Actuator? Types, Principles, and Applications - Wevolver

  What is an actuator? An actuator is a mechanical or electromechanical device that converts energy, typically electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic, into controlled motion or force. Actuators are used in various systems and applications to provide precise control and movement in response to input control signals or environmental conditions. What are the main types of actuators? [...] Actuators are essential components in a wide range of industries and applications, providing precise control and movement in response to various inputs and conditions. Yet innovations in the domain get little coverage in the media compared to cutting edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, etc. [...] In assembly lines, actuators enable robotic arms to pick, place, and assemble parts with high precision. This not only speeds up the production process but also ensures product consistency and quality. Material handling systems, such as conveyors and sorters, employ actuators to move, sort, and manage products or raw materials efficiently. This ensures that the right materials reach the right place at the right time, optimizing the production flow.

• Award

  DOAJ seal

• Country

  Switzerland

• Instance Of

  Q737498