Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following statements about actuator systems is correct?
Which of the following statements about actuator systems is correct?
What is a characteristic of Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) used in actuator systems?
What is a characteristic of Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) used in actuator systems?
Which of the following options is NOT a type of actuator mentioned?
Which of the following options is NOT a type of actuator mentioned?
What type of actuation do dielectric electro-active polymers (EAPs) rely on?
What type of actuation do dielectric electro-active polymers (EAPs) rely on?
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Which property of Magneto-Rheological fluids can be controlled by varying the magnetic field intensity?
Which property of Magneto-Rheological fluids can be controlled by varying the magnetic field intensity?
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What is a significant drawback of using Shape Memory Alloy actuators?
What is a significant drawback of using Shape Memory Alloy actuators?
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Which aspect of actuator systems does a power amplifier regulate?
Which aspect of actuator systems does a power amplifier regulate?
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What is a disadvantage of using Electro-Rheological (ER) fluids?
What is a disadvantage of using Electro-Rheological (ER) fluids?
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What is a key characteristic of ionic electro-active polymers (EAPs)?
What is a key characteristic of ionic electro-active polymers (EAPs)?
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What main application is associated with Magneto-Rheological fluids?
What main application is associated with Magneto-Rheological fluids?
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What is one primary advantage of piezoelectric actuators?
What is one primary advantage of piezoelectric actuators?
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What is the most common material used in piezoelectric applications for timekeeping?
What is the most common material used in piezoelectric applications for timekeeping?
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What is a significant disadvantage of solenoids?
What is a significant disadvantage of solenoids?
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Why are fluid systems still relevant despite the shift to electric systems?
Why are fluid systems still relevant despite the shift to electric systems?
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What limitation is associated with hydraulic fluids in fluid systems?
What limitation is associated with hydraulic fluids in fluid systems?
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What key characteristic differentiates solenoids from other actuation systems?
What key characteristic differentiates solenoids from other actuation systems?
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Which of the following describes a primary disadvantage of using fluid systems?
Which of the following describes a primary disadvantage of using fluid systems?
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In what way can energy be stored for short-duration pulses in fluid systems?
In what way can energy be stored for short-duration pulses in fluid systems?
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Study Notes
Course Information
- Course title: Interfacing for Mechatronic Systems
- Course code: WSC353
- Lecturers: Dr Gianfranco Claudio & Dr Tim Harrison
- University: Loughborough University
Lecture Plan
- Sensors (1): October 31st, 14:00
- Sensors (2): November 7th, 14:00
- Strain Gauges, Charge Amplifiers, Sensor Networks & Relays: November 14th, 14:00
- Actuators (1): November 21st, 14:00
- Actuators (2): November 28th, 14:00
- Thermal and Noise considerations: December 5th, 14:00
- Some practical examples: December 12th, 14:00
###Learning Outcomes
- Understand the different types of actuators.
- Understand how actuators work.
- Understand how to interface with actuators.
- Understand the advantages and limitations of actuators.
Overview (Diagram)
- Diagram of actuation process involving microcontroller, analogue conversion, filtering, gliching, amplifier, actuator, linkage, and environment.
Why Study Actuators?
- Actuators are equally important as sensors.
- Many techniques and information apply to actuators as they do sensors.
- Understanding voltage vs. current sensor/actuator networks.
- Understanding DAC/ADC.
- Recognizing noise aspects.
Overview (Actuation System)
- Shows a simple block diagram of an actuator system.
- Includes energy source, power supply, power amplifier, actuator, and to physical system connections.
- Different components of a mechanical system
Types of Actuator Systems
- Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs): metal alloys that revert to their original shape. Nickel-Titanium (Ni-Ti) is a common type with high force-to-weight ratio but low efficiency.
- Rheological Fluids: materials that change their properties with an external field (e.g. electric, magnetic). Electro-Rheological (ER) fluids: use electric fields and can be very fast acting and direct. A polymer suspended in a silicone fluid. High electric fields required. Magnet-Rheological (MR) fluids: use magnetic fields and are heavy, and easily degraded.
- Electro-active polymers (EAPs): are modified by voltage; 2 types (dielectric and ionic).
- Piezoelectric: voltage creates a mechanical effect; materials and actuators widely available (square, rectangular, ring shape).
- Solenoids: Actuate linearly; Simple and robust, large variation of size/force; Not fully variable.
- Fluid Systems: Hydraulics and pneumatics. Often used for situations with large power requirements.
Fluid Systems - Advantages and Disadvantages
- Advantages: High power density, safety in explosive environments, Less susceptible to electrical interference, useful when electrical supply is not available.
- Disadvantages: Leaks, loss of efficiency, not as quick as electric systems.
Working Fluids
- Water is rarely used today but was historically important.
- Oil is generally preferred for hydraulics and can be used at high pressures and has a good temperature range, but needs to be non-toxic.
- Air has numerous applications in pneumatics and easier to store and maintain.
Fluid Systems (Components)
- Diagram of systems showing components like pump, valve, cylinder, and reservoir.
- Various types of pumps, valves, and cylinders are illustrated, with specifics like piston pumps, gear pumps, swashplate pumps, and different valves based on action methods (poppet or spool). Pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
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Description
This quiz focuses on understanding different types of actuators, their workings, and interfacing techniques in mechatronic systems. Participants will explore practical examples and gain insights into the advantages and limitations of actuators. Ideal for students of Interfacing for Mechatronic Systems.