The linear mechanical appliance may seem complicated, but it is not. A linear actuator may be part of a device that turns mobility motion into a linear one through the application of a relevant force. This is because the linear motor is changed in such a simple way that it moves only in linear directions instead of moving ones. These technical solutions are applied in huge machines and for all kinds of tools where linear motion is required, as well as for valves, disc drives, printers, shock absorbers, and more.
But in this article, we will focus on the use of Electric linear actuators for home smartening up and individual home improvement projects you can perform being a newcomer in the world of smart technologies. If you are thinking of purchasing a smart home system but still hesitate because of different personal reasons, the application of this uncomplicated mechanism can become the proper choice.
Types of Electric Linear Actuators and Their Eligible Use for Home Automation
Currently available linear actuators are tailored to comply with diverse individual and industrial sector applications, even having the most sophisticated requirements. Today’s products can be easily customized in accordance with any needs and purposes. For example, if you plan to alter a 12 VDC linear actuator to a less popular 24 VDC, it is not a problem at all or the same as changing the length of the stroke and power capacity. You will see that each actuator is exclusive and the ideal solution for any implementation.
Hydraulic Actuators – These have a hollow cylinder for the moving piston and work by applying uneven pressure to the piston to maneuver in the desired direction.
Mechanical actuators can convert power in diverse ways, be it a wheel and shaft, a screw, or a cam. They are very often unidirectional.
Magnetic Actuators – These actuators use the force of attraction to transform the electrical current generated by the motor into linear motion. This attractive force often leads to the creation of completely different force impacts and movements within the actuators.
Pneumatic Actuators – Gas actuators operate in much the same way as hydraulic actuators, except that the gears and cylinders are driven by compressed gas controlled after they have been moved and stopped.
Electrical Linear Actuators – To take a look at the inner workings of an electric actuator, the mechanism is specifically designed to have fewer operating components than alternative actuators, reducing the cost of each maintenance and thus the problem of operating it. These actuators are powered directly by current and thus cannot be non-automatic, although they are usually subject to remote control if the user wishes to be able to control them remotely. This kind of device is considered the most appropriate for home automation, like motorized windows, shades, doors, TV lifts, and other parts of the furniture you can automate yourself.
Well, now let’s take a look at the internal components of an electric linear mechanism.
Components of Electric Linear Actuators
Within a linear mechanism, there can be many different parts, all of which work together to create the movements that the application requires. While electric screw drives have been purposely designed to have fewer moving parts, all of which reduce breakdowns and maintenance, and create drives that are lighter and easier to use, there are a few components that are an integral part of it.
What Should I Know Before Taking Out the Linear Actuator for Individual Purposes?
Before taking into account your specific application, for example, for home automation, it’s essential to follow several diverse specification requirements. The following encompasses force, speed, and stroke including installation dimensions. If you need more additional information, it’s recommended to contact the specialist before buying and actual implementation.
Home Automation Sample Project: Smart Windows
Electromechanical linear actuators provide the necessary power and make the entire mechanism work seamlessly and easily. Caring about nature most industrial sectors and home settings are shifting to automated climate control systems. The thing is that people understand that they can receive a lot of advantages while using it and what is more important they can keep the environment cleaner. The power of these systems lies in energy efficiency, beauty, and cost reduction. Look below to find out more benefits you can get applying linear actuators for windows smartening up.
Particular benefits of applying these mechanisms are presented below:
Absolute safety, as when fulfilling the project with electric linear actuators, you will not find any burned fossil fuels, and as the result, no produced toxic elements.
A variety of functions allows the user to incorporate sensors into automatic openers to control the level of CO2 without any trouble and activate the ventilation system to improve the flow of the air.
Comfort and convenience. You can simply control any automated system just pressing the button from remote locations. Moreover, using the special sensors described above, you can set the system properly and let your windows open automatically when it is necessary and according to the available sensor figures.
The automated window system is the only common example where you can apply linear actuators. Just imagine the scope of opportunities you have to implement your creative ideas for home improvement.
