Fast actuators are electromagnetic devices used in applications such as automotive valve actuation and mail sorting, requiring response times of 10 milliseconds or less. Actuation force and stroke length are key design parameters to achieve fast response times. Mechanical actuators cannot produce sub-10 millisecond response times.
A fast actuator is an electromagnetic actuating device capable of extremely fast activation times. However, the concept of rapid implementation is somewhat subjective and difficult to pin down precisely, as standards and expectations differ from one industry to another. It is generally accepted that actuation times of 10 milliseconds or less qualify as fast actuation. These devices are used in applications such as automotive valve actuation, mail sorting and explosion suppression where extremely fast response times are required. Fast actuator types that fit this description are typically variations of electromagnetic solenoids, as mechanical actuators are generally not capable of high speed operation.
Many mechanical applications require remote actuation of system components at speeds not possible with conventional actuation devices. The average response time for a conventional solenoid is around 30-50 milliseconds, which, while fast, isn’t fast enough for high-speed applications. Devices such as automotive solenoid valve systems require response times of 10 milliseconds or less, which requires a very fast actuator.
To achieve these fast response times, a fast actuator design must be tuned to address two fundamental issues: actuation force and stroke length. Actuation force is the physical attractive power of the electromagnetic field used to actuate the solenoid plunger. The stronger the field, the faster the plunger will respond and the shorter the response time. Obviously, the design of the plunger and the materials used must be carefully matched to maximize these refinements.
The second method of speeding up actuator response time is to reduce the length of the piston stroke. The shorter the distance the plunger has to travel to complete the cycle, the shorter the response time. This measure also requires a specific set of design parameters to apply to both the solenoid and the devices it actuates. However, any design and construction sacrifices made to implement these parameters are generally worth it, as fast actuator response times of less than 0.2 millisecond are possible. This makes the high-speed solenoid actuator an ideal choice for applications such as mail sorting switches, electronic valve controllers, and explosion-proof earth rods.
The mechanical actuator family is generally excluded from the operation of the fast actuator stakes. Conventional hydraulic, pneumatic and electromechanical actuators simply cannot produce the sub-10 millisecond response times required due to the inertial and frictional forces inherent in their operation. Until these limitations are overcome, the electromagnetic solenoid will remain the only true fast actuator option for demanding, high-speed applications.
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