A wireless actuator receives its activation signal or power supply via a wireless link, using radio waves or magnetic induction. It is used in industrial automation, manufacturing, and household applications, providing greater mobility and security. There are two types of actuators: power switching and contact switching. The wireless actuator eliminates the need for cables, enhancing functionality and aesthetics in home automation and security systems.
A wireless actuator is an actuation device that receives its activation signal or its power supply or both via a wireless link. In the case of the activation signal, the transfer method is typically based on radio waves. Wireless power transfer is encountered less frequently and generally uses magnetic resonance or induction to power the actuator. The wireless actuator is used in a variety of industrial automation, manufacturing and household applications such as assembly plant activation, warehouse palletizing, home automation and security. Some of its advantages include greater mobility of automated processes due to the absence of wires, increased security and extended remote activation intervals.
Actuators are generally operated in two ways, namely power switching and contact switching. In the case of power switching actuators, the device turns on and off by enabling or removing its power supply. A light duty solenoid valve is a good example of this type of actuator. The contact switching actuator generally draws its power locally, for example from the power source of the machine it operates on, and has an integrated relay or contactor which is activated from a remote location. Power is continuously present, but only fed to the actuator when the contacts are closed by a signal from a remote location.
In both cases, the actuator is activated via a cable connection, which often requires long cables. This has an adverse effect on the mobility of some automated machinery, limits the distance that the triggering station or power supply can be from the actuator and, in the case of safety devices, poses a risk of breach when cables are cut. The wireless actuator can solve most of these problems by eliminating the need for cables. In many situations, these systems can also enhance remotely actuated systems with functionality not possible with wired devices.
There are three types of wireless actuators: those that receive their activation signal from a wireless radio link, those powered by magnetic induction or resonance, and combination devices that include both capabilities. Automated machines such as warehouse palletizing systems and assembly robots can benefit greatly from the inclusion of a wireless actuator system free of any control wiring that limits mobility. Home automation and security systems can also be improved in terms of both aesthetics and functionality, as a wireless actuation system can eliminate unsightly wires and allow for extended activation fields. Security systems can also be improved by eliminating the risk of cables being cut by criminals.
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