How to Control your Tables via iPad

Linear actuators create horizontal motion perpetrated by the circular motion of the motor or any other electric device. They can be used in variety industrial applications and machine designs. In generating linear motion from the circular motion, mechanisms such as mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems can be applied; this compounds the various types of linear actuators available. The different types of linear actuators that can be applied as electric tv lifts to the control of a table via an IPad would include:

1. Mechanical actuators
2. Piezoelectric actuators
3. Pneumatic actuators
4. Hydraulic actuators

Hydraulic Actuators

In hydraulic actuators, there is usually a hydraulic cylinder and a piston that translates the vertical movement of the piston in the cylinder to the rotary motion of the crankshaft. The crankshaft should have a threaded part that would advance a complementary threaded section of the shaft to which the table is attached. The translated motion would push the table upwards or downwards as desired by the operator. The start of the motion of the piston cylinder can be controlled by an adjacent electrical circuit that can be operated by an IPad. Apparently, a hydraulic actuator is controlled by a hydraulic pump.

Piezoelectric Actuators

For piezoelectric actuators, the piezoelectric effect is the main application in this case where some substances or materials expand on the application of voltage. Piezoelectric actuators have corresponding exceptional resolution, therefore, they can be applied for lifting the table across short distances or lengths. The use of the voltage across the ends of the piezoelectric material is the main feature that can be controlled by the IPad.

Mechanical Actuators

In mechanical actuators, the basic translation is that of the rotary motion to linear motion. The translational motion can be achieved by use of mechanisms like cams, screws and even the rack and pinion systems. In the screw system, the rotation of the screw would cause the linear motion of the shaft that is also threaded. For cam actuators, the eccentric profile of the cam would translate the motion of the wheel it is attached to; this will produce the linear motion though the magnitude of the linear travel is limited. In the case of the rack and pinion, the horizontal rack onto which gear teeth have been carved out moves in horizontal or vertical position as the gear rotates; the length of the rack determines the magnitude to which the table can be lifted.  The control of the mechanical actuators can be automated and the remote application through the use of IPad apps to control these systems.

Pneumatic Actuators

For pneumatic actuators, pressure is the main principle and are similar to hydraulic actuators on that compressed gas or air is used in this case as the working fluid. The compression or the release of the pressure on the gas or air will operate the linear motion of the table. Typically, compression usually produces the lifting action of the table and the release of the gas would do otherwise. The force applied to the actuator to produce this linear motion can be advanced by the motor that can be controlled remotely through the use of the IPad applications that may be installed on the pneumatic systems.

Conclusion

For better performance of these actuators, maintenance is key and consideration of the design specifications. Trying to lift the load that surpasses the design specification would overwork the working parts that would reduce the lifespan of the actuator and might cause leaks in the case of pneumatic and hydraulic actuators. Major parameters that can be controlled by the IPad include the speed of rotation and the length of travel of the table. The duty cycle of the motor being used is key in determining the overall performance of the actuating device.

Originally posted 2015-05-29 16:46:16.