EMAs
Electro-Mechanical Actuators (EMAs)
Q&A
What is an Actuator?
An actuator is a device that operates on an energy source and an external signal to produce an output, typically in the form of motion, which can be either rotary or linear.
What is a Linear Actuator?
An electric linear actuator is a mechanism that transforms the rotational motion of a DC motor into linear motion. It is capable of providing both pushing and pulling actions. These actions enable the lifting, dropping, sliding, adjusting, tilting, pushing, or pulling of objects with just the press of a button. Moreover, linear actuators grant operators complete control over their safe and precise motion capabilities.
Electric linear actuators are energy-efficient and boast a long lifespan with minimal maintenance required. They are composed of a motor, a gear series, and a lead screw coupled with a driving nut that propels the main rod shaft back and forth. Essentially, this is the fundamental makeup of all linear actuators. The only variations between different actuators lie in the motor size, gear arrangement, and lead screw design.
What is a High-Integrity Actuator?
The reliability of actuators is enhanced by eliminating dependent features, such as intermediary gearboxes, ball screw mechanisms, and offset motors. Each of these components has its own likelihood of failure, and when combined, the overall probability of failure becomes unacceptably high for critical applications like the primary flight control surfaces of an aircraft.
Benefits of EMAs
The Benefits of Electric Linear Actuators Over Hydraulic Systems
Electric linear actuators (EMAs) are ideal when you require simple, safe, and clean movements with precise and smooth motion control. Actuator systems are available for adjustments, tilting, pushing, pulling, and lifting with substantial force. While hydraulic systems can generate immense forces, they necessitate high-pressure pumps, valves, piping, and a reservoir for the hydraulic fluid. Therefore, if space, weight, and cost are not constraints, hydraulic systems might be suitable. Hydraulic actuators use fluid to move a piston back and forth, while electric linear actuators employ an electric motor to drive a lead or power screw.
A lead screw is equipped with a nut that moves along the screw, transforming rotary motion into linear motion. However, hydraulic systems have operational drawbacks, primarily in control precision. Electric linear actuators, in contrast, offer a lengthy service life with minimal to no maintenance, resulting in a lower total operating cost. Additionally, electric actuator systems are silent, eco-friendly, clean, non-toxic, and energy-efficient, meeting the growing requirements and regulations regarding environmental impact.
Other FAQs
In What Direction Can Load be Applied to Linear Actuators?
Linear actuators can be used in tension, compression, or combination applications.
Is Back-driving Possible in Electro-mechanical Linear Actuators?
Back-driving can occur in most electric linear actuators. It happens when a force greater than the static force is applied, causing the actuator shaft to move without power. Actuators with a ball screw usually have an electrical brake (often motor-mounted) to stop the load from back-driving the actuator, but this can be highly unreliable. Nonetheless, due to AEMS's design, their FT-EMA™s cannot be back-driven under any load condition.
Can a Linear Actuator be Run Into a Hard Stop?
Driving the actuator into the hard stops is not advisable as it may cause jamming. Jamming can occur when the actuator over-travels the limit switches or when the nut and screw are forced together at the stroke's extremes, or if the actuator is driven against an unyielding object, leading to severe overloading. Nevertheless, the AEMS FT - EMA™ design features a patented end stop management system that prevents jamming and overloading of the actuator.
What Are the Common Factors in the Failure of a Linear Actuator?
Incorrect loading, faulty installation, overuse, and harsh environmental conditions can lead to early actuator failure.
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