KITE: DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

SENSORS & ACTUATORS

MECHATRONICS

PART B: ACTUATORS

Multi-turn.

Q1 .What is actuator? Explain in detail.

Quarter-turn.

Answer: An actuator is the device that brings about the

mechanical movements required for any physical process
in the factory. Internally, actuators can be broken down
into two separate modules: the signal amplifier and the
transducer. The amplifier converts the (low power)
control signal into a high power signal that is fed into the
transducer; the transducer converts the energy of the
amplified control signal into work; this process usually
involves converting from one form of energy into another,
e.g. electrical motors convert electrical energy into
kinetic energy.

Linear.

Lever.

2. By the energy source

Manual

Electric: they can be drived by direct and alternate

current.

Pneumatic: they use pressured air or gas to create

motion. They are widely used in the industry due to
their low cost. In case of failure they are easy to
diagnose or repair in field, rather than electric
actuators.

Hydraulic

Figure 1. The Structure of an actuator

Examples:
Electric motors, Servo-controlled
drives, hydraulic drives...
Types of Actuators
Actuators for valves
characteristics:

can

be

1. .By the type of movement

BY: NAVIN H. YADAV

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valves,

classified

pneumatic

3. Functionality

up

several

Unit 2:

On / Off valve service

Positioning to % open

KITE: DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

SENSORS & ACTUATORS

Modulating to control changes on flow conditions

Emergency Shut Down (ESD)

MECHATRONICS

pulling force of 200 kg and a stroke of up to 150

mm. Stroke can be adjusted upto 150 mm within an
accuracy of 3 mm. Suitable leverage can enhance
its utility in various applications. This Electro
Mechanical Actuator is compact and light device to
obtain thrust of 200 kg in forward and backward
motion.

4. Other characteristics

Explosion-proof

Safety integrity level (SIL)

Its speed is adjustable from 3.5 mm/sec. to 7

mm/sec. This consists of a special 28 V.D.C. brake
motor, fitted to a gear box and lead screw drive.
Ram provides the necessary thrust. This assembly
can be mounted as per end requirements and is
quite compact and light.

Q2 write short note on following.

A. Electric Motors
B. Hydraulic Actuators
C. Pneumatic actuator
D. Piezoelectric actuator
E. Electromechanical actuator

Electromechanical actuator
Electro Mechanical Actuator is an equipment which
can be used to provide reversible linear motion at a
controlled speed. This can provide a pushing or

BY: NAVIN H. YADAV

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Unit 2:

Piezoelectric Actuators
A piezoelectric actuator converts an electrical signal into
a precisely controlled physical displacement (stroke). If
displacement is prevented, a useable force (blocking
force) will develop. The precise movement control
afforded by piezoelectric actuators is used to finely adjust
machining tools, lenses, mirrors, or other equipment.
Piezoelectric actuators are also used to control hydraulic
valves, act as small-volume pumps or special-purpose
motors, and in other applications requiring movement or
force.

Types of Piezoelectric Actuators

Two different types of piezo actuators

KITE: DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

SENSORS & ACTUATORS

1. stack actuators

2. stripe actuators.
Stack Actuator: Stack actuators offer low stroke and a
high blocking force. Based upon the users requirements
stack actuators can be either discrete or co-fired.

MECHATRONICS

Unit 2:

Co-fired multilayer stack actuators, also called

monolithic stacks, involve no adhesive, but rather
a high temperature sintering of the complete
ceramic and electrode pile. Operating voltages of a
co-fired stack are up to 200 V. Rectangular cross
sections are typical due to the ease of cutting
processes in production.
Stripe Actuator: A Stripe actuator, also called a bending
actuator, is designed to produce a relatively large
mechanical deflection in response to an electrical signal.
This deflection offers a large stroke and a very limited
blocking force when compared to a stack actuator.
Piezoelectric Actuator Applications

Discrete stacks (high-voltage stack actuators) are

composite structures made by stacking separately
finished piezoelectric ceramic discs or rings and
metal electrode foils with an adhesive. Operating
voltages ranging from 500 V thru 1,000 V are
typical.

The piezoelectric actuator is used in a variety of

industrial, automotive, medical, aviation, aerospace and
consumer electronics applications. Piezo actuators are
found in precision knitting machinery and braille
machines.

Hydraulic actuators
Hydraulic systems are often used for driving high-power machine tools and
industrial robots. They can deliver high power and forces. They also suffer
from maintenance problems (e.g. leakage of the hydraulic fluid,

BY: NAVIN H. YADAV

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KITE: DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

SENSORS & ACTUATORS
dirt/contamination of fluid.) Hydraulic actuators may be linear, or rotary.

Figure shows the control system for a typical hydraulic rotary drive. The
hydraulic power supply actually comprises of a pump, usually driven by a 3phase electric motor. The pump may be a gear pump, or radial/axial
displacement type. The functioning of the hydraulic motor itself is the opposite
of the hydraulic pump. The servo control is exerted by applying a control
voltage to a solenoid driven valve; the flow rate of oil through the valve is
proportional to the voltage applied (itself proportional to the valve opening).

Pneumatic actuators
Pneumatic actuators work, in principle, similar to hydraulic
actuators. The most common pneumatic controls are linear
actuators, which are basically a piston-cylinder assembly
connected to a supply tube of compressed air. Since air is highly
compressible, pneumatic drives are frequently not used for high
force transmission, nor are much good for accurate position
control. Typically, they are used for fixed motion of small objects
that are very common on assembly and transfer lines.

BY: NAVIN H. YADAV

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MECHATRONICS

Unit 2:

Discrete control of pneumatic systems:

Many operations on automation lines require steps like feeding

of a part into a fixture, pushing the part on/off a conveyor (or
between parallel conveyors, to change direction of travel), or
transporting a part between several closely placed assembly or
testing stations. Discrete pneumatic controls are ideally suited
for such tasks. Figure 3.8 shows an example configuration for
testing a part. For example, if a factory is producing highvoltage switches; each switch must be tested by applying high
voltage and checking that there are no sparks. When the
overhead testing machine is testing a part, all three pistons
are retracted (P1, P2, and P3 are OFF). As soon as testing is
over, the testing machine sends two signals to the pneumatic
relay circuit: the first one indicates that the testing is
complete, and the second one indicates if part is good. The
first signal is used to open the relay valve for P3, which
unloads the part to the out-chute. Full extension of P3 also
triggers a limit switch (L1) on the chute. If the limit switch as
well as the "part-is-good" signal are ON, P2 is activated,
pushing the part into the collection bin. P2 then retracts. Full

KITE: DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

SENSORS & ACTUATORS
retraction of P3 triggers another limit switch, L2. Whenever a
part is waiting on the in-chute, limit switch L3 is activated. On
activation of L3 and L2, the relay valve for P1 is opened,
pushing the new part onto the testing fixture.

BY: NAVIN H. YADAV

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MECHATRONICS

Unit 2: