What is linear actuator?

Brief introduction

Linear actuator, also known as the linear drive, is a kind of electric drive device that converts the rotational motion of a motor into linear reciprocating motion - that is push and pull movements. It’s a new type motion device mainly composed of the push rod and control equipment, can be considered as an extension in structure of rotating motor. 

Application

It can be used as drive device in a variety of simple or complex process to achieve remote control, centralized control or automatic control. It is widely used as motion drive units of household appliances, kitchenware, medical instruments, automobile and other industries.

Smart home (motorized sofa, recliner, bed, TV lift, window opener, kitchen cabinet, kitchen ventilator);

Medical care (medical bed, dental chair, image equipment, patient lift, mobility scooter, massage chair);

Smart office (height adjustable table, screen or white board lift, projector lift);

Industrial Automation (photovoltaic application, motorized car seat)

Structure

Linear actuator is composed of driving motor, reduction gear, screw, nut, micro control switch, inner and outer tube, spring, housing and so on.

Linear actuator moves in a reciprocating way, usually we make standard stroke 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400mm, special stroke can also be customized according to different application areas. And it can be designed with different thrust according to different application loads. Generally, the maximum thrust can reach 6000N, and the no-load speed is 4mm~60mm/s. 

Advantage

Linear actuator is powered by 24V/12V DC permanent magnet motor, using it as the drive device can not only reduce the air source device and auxiliary equipment required by the pneumatic actuator, but also reduce the weight of the device. Pneumatic actuator need to have a certain air pressure in the whole control process, although amplifier with small consumption can be used, but days and months multiplying, the gas consumption is still huge. Using linear actuator as drive device, it needs power supply only when the control angle needs to be changed, and the power supply can no longer be provided when the required angle is reached. Therefore, from the perspective of energy saving, the linear actuator has obvious energy-saving advantages than the pneumatic actuator.