Intelligent valve actuation
Camcon Technology, the UK inventor and developer of the Camcon binary actuation technology, has given a presentation on Intelligent Valve Actuation (IVA), a technology critical to the development of the camless engine, at the 100th SAE Congress in Detroit, USA.
Retrofit valve actuation
Working with Rotork’s (UK) new specialist retrofit valve actuation, engineers Bahr Pump OU, Rotork’s representative in Estonia, has completed the second part of an unusually demanding project on belt conveyor systems at two of the country’s power stations.
Actuators for boats
New linear actuators are available that provide boat and other marine equipment manufacturers with an alternative source of push-pull power.
Valves to reduce toxic emissions
Camcon is developing a prototype valve to reduce toxic emissions and improve the efficiency of jet aircraft.
Linear motor dedicated to actuation
The ServoTube from Copley Controls is a three phase linear motor designed for use as an actuator.
Actuators provide linear motion
The EMA linear actuator range from Power Jacks has been developed to provide linear motion for low- to medium-duty applications with loads up to 10kN.
Polyamide reduces miniature valves’ cost
Asco Joucomatic has claimed that its new design for its Micro 10 range of miniature sub-base mounted valves has achieved a cost reduction of almost 50%, as a result of using Polyamide in the valve construction rather than metal.
Guided table actuator
SMC Corporation has announced the release of the EMY2 electric guided slide table actuator.
Pedal power
Gordon Croucher, UK Sales Office Supervisor at valve actuation specialist Rotork, has, with Rotork’s sponsorship, embarked on a programme to raise thousands of pounds of local and national charities.
Boosting engine efficiency
Camcon Technology has signed a licence agreement with Powertrain for inclusion of its technology in a joint programme known as "Intelligent Valve Actuation" (IVA).
Actuation
The primary devices that carry out actuation are called actuators. These can be categorized as:
- Mechanical Actuators: Convert rotary motion to linear motion or vice versa, often using gears, rails, or screws.
- Electric Actuators: Utilize electric motors to generate motion, controlled by varying voltage, current, or electromagnetic fields.
- Hydraulic Actuators: Use the pressure of a liquid (usually oil) to induce motion, often to generate high forces in heavy machinery.
- Pneumatic Actuators: Operate using compressed air or gas to create motion, often found in industrial automation setups.
- Thermal or Magnetic Actuators: Leverage thermal expansion or magnetic fields to generate motion, usually in micro or nano-scale applications.
2. Control Systems
These systems are essential in regulating the functioning of actuators, often utilizing feedback loops to maintain precision and efficiency. They may include:
- Manual Controls: Simple interfaces like levers or switches to control actuators.
- Automatic Controls: Utilize sensors and microcontrollers to automatically control the actuation process.
- Software Interfaces: Complex control setups involving software platforms integrated with hardware components to enable sophisticated control strategies.
3. Power Sources
Different actuation systems require different power sources, which could range from electrical batteries, hydraulic pumps, or pneumatic compressors.
Applications
Actuation finds its application in various fields:
- Robotics: In the control of robotic arms, legs, or other appendages.
- Aerospace: Utilized in the functioning of various components like flaps, landing gear, and engines.
- Automotive: In control systems like power steering, braking systems, and throttle control.
- Industrial Machinery: In machines used for manufacturing, packaging, and other industrial processes.
- Healthcare: In devices like prosthetics and other healthcare equipment.
- Consumer Electronics: In gadgets and appliances, for functions like zooming in cameras or adjusting settings.
Future Trends
With advancements in technology, actuation systems are expected to become more sophisticated, incorporating features like:
- Internet of Things (IoT): Integration with IoT for smarter and more connected control systems.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Incorporating AI for predictive maintenance and automated control strategies.
- Miniaturization: Development of smaller and more compact actuators for use in micro and nano-scale applications.
Conclusion
Actuation is a dynamic and evolving field, playing a critical role in modern technology and industry. It encompasses a wide range of components, systems, and techniques that convert energy into physical motion, finding applications in a variety of sectors and continually evolving to incorporate new advancements and innovations.