Pneumatic Actuators

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Pneumatic Actuators

• Thomas Shupe
• ECE 5320 Mechatronics
• Assignment 1

2
Outline

• References
• To explore further
• What are pneumatic actuators?
• Different types of actuators
• Major applications
• Working principles
• Major specifications
• Limitations
• Cost

3
References

• Pneumatic Actuators Linear and Rotary WHITE
  PAPER by Jimmy Simpson (CFPS, CFPMM, CFPAI), Sr.
  Advisor for U.S. Car Projects http//www.ifps.org/
  Education/WhitePapers/PneumaticCylinders.htm
• http//www.gutenberg.org/files/15617/15617-h/image
  s/pic_p161.jpg
• http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pneumatic_actuator
• http//dictionary.reference.com/browse/pneumatic

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To Explore Further

• http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pneumatic_artificial_
  muscles
• http//www.personal.psu.edu/mjl145/lesson_plan.htm

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What are Pneumatic Actuators?

• Dictionary.Com gives the following definition of
  pneumatic operated by air or by the pressure or
  exhaustion of air http//dictionary.reference.com
  /browse/pneumatic
• A pnuematic actuator is a transducer that
  converts energy (typically from compressed air)
  into motion

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Types of Pneumatic Actuators?

• Tie Rod Cylinders (linear actuators)
• Rotary Actuators (air motors)
• Grippers
• Pneumatic Control Valve

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Tie Rod Cylinders

• Provides linear motion from compressed air
• Single or Double Action

• www.control-line.com/cylinders.asp

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Rotary Actuator (air motor)

• 4 Types
• Rotary Vane
• Gear
• Turbine
• Piston

www.tdi-turbotwin.com
9
Pneumatic Gripper

• Involves linear or angular motion
• Often used to pick and place objects
• Generally has fully open and fully closed
  settings and does not have control to go to
  intermediate positions

www.eu-nited-robotics.net/node/152
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Pneumatic Control Valve

• Uses air pressure to open and close the valve.
• Used in conjunction with a electronic controller

// http www.engineersedge.com/hydraulic/pneumatic
_actuator.htm
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Linear Actuator Application
Early air compressor/Jack hammer Related to the
tie-rod cylinder
http//www.gutenberg.org/files/15617/15617-h/image
s/pic_p161.jpg
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Tie Rod Cylinder Application

• These two cylinders give this labeling machine
  a quick way to apply the labels

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Rotary Actuator Application

• Rotary actuator used in machine applications
• Also used as power tools

http//www.powertoolsuk.co.uk/webcat/pics/draper/7
9566.jpg
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Pneumatic Gripper Applications
Used in robotic applications
http//www.strobotics.com/r17.htm
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Pneumatic Control Valve Applicatoins

• Used to control fluid flow
• Can precisely control flow or can provide on/off
  type of control

// http www.engineersedge.com/hydraulic/pneumatic
_actuator.htm
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Working Principles(Linear Pneumatic Actuators)

• Convert pneumatic energy into mechanical energy
  to produce work
• There is a hollow cylinder with a piston inside.
• Air pushes the piston causing motion in the
  cylinder, the piston is connected to an external
  rod that provides a means to use the motion.
• The actuator can be either single or double
  action either a spring etc. returns the actuator
  or air will return it via multiple ports.
• http//www.ifps.org/Education/WhitePapers/Pneumati
  cCylinders.htm

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Working Principles(Linear Pneumatic Actuators)

• http//www.ifps.org/Education/WhitePapers/Pneumati
  cCylinders.htm

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Working Principles(Rotary Pneumatic Actuators)

• Rotary actuators are used to convert potential
  pneumatic energy into mechanical energy.
• Rotary actuators produce torque
• Commonly called air motors
• In most cases rotary actuators are not chosen for
  their efficiencies, but for their power, speed
  and torque.

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Working Principles(Rotary Pneumatic Actuators)

• http//www.ifps.org/Education/WhitePapers/Pneumati
  cCylinders.htm

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Working Principles (Grippers)

• Converts potential pneumatic energy into
  mechanical energy
• Creates either linear or angular motion of
  gripper fingers
• Forces are proportional to pressure and area.

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Working Principles (Control Valve)

• Operates by a combination of force from the air
  and an opposing spring force. The actuator
  positions the control valve by transmitting its
  motion through the stem

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Major Specifications

• Required Air Flow Rate
• Max Pressure/Required Pressure
• Capable Force
• Capable Torque
• Max RPM
• Linear Velocity

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Limitations

• Compressibility of air makes movement and
  positioning imprecise
• Not capable of heavy work (250psi vs. 10,000 psi)
• Maintenance crews rarely fix an air leak
• http//www.personal.psu.edu/mjl145/lesson_plan.htm

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Cost of Pneumatic Actuators

• Pneumatic actuators range from as low as 15 on
  up to tens of thousands of dollars depending on
  quality, size, application etc.

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Where to Buy

• http//compact4.rtrk.com
• http//www.bimba.com/products/
• http//www.festo.com