Linear actuators have been instrumental in the manufacture of a plethora of industrial and commercial applications. Over the recent years, there has been a rise in the number of actuators website (like ActuatorZone.com) offering a wide range of 12V and 24V actuators to avail them to industrial, commercial and domestic consumers. One of the key application of micro linear actuators is in home automation, and they have made an indelible mark in transforming homes into state-of-the-art. In this article, we are going to critically evaluate and describe how micro linear actuators have transformed homes in the 21st century to be comfier, technologically smart, secure and beautiful.
Home automation systems have been manufactured to control almost everything in our homes that require opening and closing. In some cases, several actuators are configured to provide more flexibility like rotating and circular motions which have wider application. The control of the devices that have linear actuators can be programmed and scheduled to operate automatically or use manual settings through gestures and sensors. The actuators are controlled by microcontrollers using simple programming scripts. The devices can be positioned strategically in various rooms to provide the necessary functionality depending on what they have been adapted for. To demonstrate how easy it is to automate and control some existing home appliances; we can feature upgrading a normal recliner seat to be automated and a TV stand. Each has linear capabilities, and the actuators will be added to automate the manual movements at the joints by use of linear actuators.
For a recliner seat, you can automate it by adding an actuator module to the seat to replace the manual reclining system. Reclining seats already have the necessary features and all it needs it some actuators and controllers to control and automate it. To automate the seat, you attach the actuators to control movement on the frame structure of the seat. The actuators are programmed to create synergy and controlled movement that is required. Careful programming is necessary to ensure coordinated movement of the seat structure to avoid destroying the seat or the actuators or both. After carefully positioning the actuators, simple programming is required to synchronize the actuators and produce the desired motion. However, it is important to note that not all recliner seats are created the same and careful planning and study of the seat is necessary to understand the manual mechanism is necessary before trying to automate it.
To create an automated TV stand is relatively similar to a recliner seat. However, for a TV stand, it is important to consider the additional electronics attached to the TV like DVD Player, sound system, etc. The weight and size of the TV are also a necessary factor for consideration. After planning on how to position the brackets, swivel, and the mounting surface, you can attach the actuators in particular positions that would give the desired movement. The actuators can be positioned to provide horizontal and vertical movements relative to the viewer. After attaching and connecting all the actuators to the stand and power supply, simple algorithmic programming can be used using a microcontroller. You can also use remote controls to tilt and position the TV via the controller.
Concisely, actuators have revolutionized the way we live in our homes and has provided an endless opportunity in the way we can make our lifestyle better. In this article, some basic application of actuators has been discussed in detail, and they offer insightful knowledge on how anyone can use actuators to transform his/her lifestyle.
