A Novel Self-Actuated Linear Drive for Long-Range-of-Motion Electromechanical Systems
Obtaining powered linear movement over a long range of motion is a common yet challenging task, as the majority of linear actuators have limited ranges of motion as determined by their functioning mechanisms. In this paper, the authors present a novel belt-based self-actuated linear drive (B-SALD),...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2022-09-01
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| Series: | Actuators |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0825/11/9/250 |
| _version_ | 1827664626995691520 |
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| author | Mason Dooley Xiangrong Shen |
| author_facet | Mason Dooley Xiangrong Shen |
| author_sort | Mason Dooley |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Obtaining powered linear movement over a long range of motion is a common yet challenging task, as the majority of linear actuators have limited ranges of motion as determined by their functioning mechanisms. In this paper, the authors present a novel belt-based self-actuated linear drive (B-SALD), in which a self-powered moving platform slides on a slotted track with essentially unlimited range of motion (only limited by the length of the track). Unlike the traditional rack-and-pinion mechanism, the B-SALD system uses a double-sided timing belt as the power-transmitting element. With the teeth on its inner surface, the belt interacts with a timing pulley for its own circulation; with the teeth on its outer surface, the belt interacts with a linear rail with parallel slots and drives the translation of the moving platform. The unique functioning mechanism generates multiple distinct advantages: no lubrication is required; the slotted track is simple and inexpensive to manufacture; and it provides an inherent compliance to buffer shock loading. With the experiments conducted on a preliminary prototype, it has been demonstrated that the B-SALD is able to provide accurate positioning and continuous motion control, an overall mechanical efficiency of 70% over the majority of the load range, and the capability of generating large force output in the desired manner. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T01:04:35Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-8226f88401694ef68e26e3d25de0038b |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2076-0825 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T01:04:35Z |
| publishDate | 2022-09-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Actuators |
| spelling | doaj.art-8226f88401694ef68e26e3d25de0038b2023-11-23T14:29:11ZengMDPI AGActuators2076-08252022-09-0111925010.3390/act11090250A Novel Self-Actuated Linear Drive for Long-Range-of-Motion Electromechanical SystemsMason Dooley0Xiangrong Shen1Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USADepartment of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USAObtaining powered linear movement over a long range of motion is a common yet challenging task, as the majority of linear actuators have limited ranges of motion as determined by their functioning mechanisms. In this paper, the authors present a novel belt-based self-actuated linear drive (B-SALD), in which a self-powered moving platform slides on a slotted track with essentially unlimited range of motion (only limited by the length of the track). Unlike the traditional rack-and-pinion mechanism, the B-SALD system uses a double-sided timing belt as the power-transmitting element. With the teeth on its inner surface, the belt interacts with a timing pulley for its own circulation; with the teeth on its outer surface, the belt interacts with a linear rail with parallel slots and drives the translation of the moving platform. The unique functioning mechanism generates multiple distinct advantages: no lubrication is required; the slotted track is simple and inexpensive to manufacture; and it provides an inherent compliance to buffer shock loading. With the experiments conducted on a preliminary prototype, it has been demonstrated that the B-SALD is able to provide accurate positioning and continuous motion control, an overall mechanical efficiency of 70% over the majority of the load range, and the capability of generating large force output in the desired manner.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0825/11/9/250linear actuatorbelt driveelectromechanical system |
| spellingShingle | Mason Dooley Xiangrong Shen A Novel Self-Actuated Linear Drive for Long-Range-of-Motion Electromechanical Systems Actuators linear actuator belt drive electromechanical system |
| title | A Novel Self-Actuated Linear Drive for Long-Range-of-Motion Electromechanical Systems |
| title_full | A Novel Self-Actuated Linear Drive for Long-Range-of-Motion Electromechanical Systems |
| title_fullStr | A Novel Self-Actuated Linear Drive for Long-Range-of-Motion Electromechanical Systems |
| title_full_unstemmed | A Novel Self-Actuated Linear Drive for Long-Range-of-Motion Electromechanical Systems |
| title_short | A Novel Self-Actuated Linear Drive for Long-Range-of-Motion Electromechanical Systems |
| title_sort | novel self actuated linear drive for long range of motion electromechanical systems |
| topic | linear actuator belt drive electromechanical system |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0825/11/9/250 |
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