CNBC
Haven’t you incorporated a linear actuator into your robot yet? Well, if you didn’t you are losing a huge number of new capabilities that could help your robotics techniques and toolbox. There are various linear actuators that enable your robot to move its limbs. We picked only the best for you below. All of them vary according to the price, quality, durability. That is why, if you still want your robot to move and be more functional, go ahead, read the article, and choose the perfect for your work of art.
1.Threaded Rods
For the first one, you will basically need a threaded rod, several nuts, and a drill. That is the usual number of things you will really need. All of them are in every workshop. However, there are some always-at-hand objects you may also use to create your automatic work of art. For example, it can be a glue stick, a modified servo, a potentiometer, etc. Just use your imagination and apply these relatively strong actuators in your devices.
2.A Scotch Yoke
As you know, the scotch yoke reaches the goal of any linear actuator as it also turns the cylindrical movements into the horizontal ones. That is simply a rod with an empty space in the middle cut as a rectangular yoke. A rotating wheel with a pin inserted into the rectangular slot enables the rod to move forwards and backwards as the wheel rotates. This one is pretty similar to the previous linear actuator according to its durability, strength, and fields in which you can apply a yoke.
3.Pneumatic cylinders
What is possibly the best linear actuator for robots? Well, the one that uses the renewable resources. The air, for instance. That means it is pneumatic. And cylinder stands for the form of an actuator. The great pros of this actuator are the variability of sizes and durability. Do not wonder if we say you, it’s one of the strongest linear actuators. What is more, forget about any motors. These babies are able to maintain a uniform and constant force. As long as there’s enough air for the mankind to breathe, this one is the best and the strongest linear actuator.
4. Solenoids
Those of you who enjoy the dance-bots will especially like this one. Solenoids are usually to be energized. They have a plunger which is pushed or pulled with the help of a spring. You can find and even borrow ones from old doorbells, some electric locks of cars, valves. Of course, if you want this one to operate, better find some current. High-productivity and a reliability speak for themselves.
5.Pneumatic Muscles
Frankly speaking, that’s a skinny baloon placed inside a tube. You cannot expand the balloon more than when it is inflated. You may wonder where the name come from? A “muscle”? Actually, the whole mechanism resembles the way humans’ muscles work. That makes it perfect for the robot. What is more, your robot will have superpowers as it will expand up to three quotas of its original length. You will never see a human leg expand three times bigger to perform any movement, won’t you? At least, not in a real world.
Linear actuators open a wide range of opportunities for engineers and amateurs who are into robots and robotic systems. Having an idea about movements you need your robot to make and considering prices and technical features of actuators you can come up with a perfect option.