E1C12 09/14/2010
13:54:12 Page 536
Pneumatic Actuators
When compressed air is the energy source of choice, a pneumatic cylinder can create linear motion.
In general, the purpose of a pneumatic cylinder is to provide linear motion between two fixed
locations. Figure 12.34 shows a pneumatic cylinder and a cutaway of such a cylinder. By applying
high-pressure compressed air to either side of the piston, linear actuation between two defined
positions can easily be accomplished.
Soleniods
‘‘Solenoid’’ is a term used to describe an electromagnetic device that is employed to create linear
motion of a plunger, as shown in Figure 12.35. The initial force available from a solenoid can be
determined from
F ¼
1
2
NI
ð Þ
2 mA
d
2
ð12:21Þ
Figure 12.34 Construction of a pneumatic cylinder. (Courtesy of Parker Hannifin, Inc.)
536 Chapter 12 Mechatronics: Sensors, Actuators, and Controls
13:54:12 Page 536
Pneumatic Actuators
When compressed air is the energy source of choice, a pneumatic cylinder can create linear motion.
In general, the purpose of a pneumatic cylinder is to provide linear motion between two fixed
locations. Figure 12.34 shows a pneumatic cylinder and a cutaway of such a cylinder. By applying
high-pressure compressed air to either side of the piston, linear actuation between two defined
positions can easily be accomplished.
Soleniods
‘‘Solenoid’’ is a term used to describe an electromagnetic device that is employed to create linear
motion of a plunger, as shown in Figure 12.35. The initial force available from a solenoid can be
determined from
F ¼
1
2
NI
ð Þ
2 mA
d
2
ð12:21Þ
Figure 12.34 Construction of a pneumatic cylinder. (Courtesy of Parker Hannifin, Inc.)
536 Chapter 12 Mechatronics: Sensors, Actuators, and Controls