Workshop #4 Stennis Space Center January 7,2006
Introduction to Pneumatics
Overview
Methods of Power Transmission Pneumatics Systems Pneumatics Principles Parts Pneumatic Actuators Force Principles Solenoid Valves Advantages
Methods of Power Transmission
Electrical Motors Mechanical power transmission elements Fluid Power
Hydraulics
Oil, Water, other liquids Air, other gases
Pneumatics
Electric Motors
Motors convert electrical energy to mechanical
Electric motors used in First kit Chipahua/CIM Motor Window Motor Van Door Motor Fisher-Price/Mabuchi Motor Globe Motor
Mechanical Power transmission elements
Gears Belts
Chains
Bearings
Couplings
Mechanical Power transmission using gears
Pneumatics Systems
Pneumatics Definitions
Pneumatics is the general term used to describe the mechanics of gases Pneumatics, derived from the Greek word pneumatikos, meaning coming from the wind It is the branch of science which treats the mechanical properties of air and other elastic fluids used to do work
Pneumatic Principles
compressor solenoid valve
cylinder
hose
reservoir tank
Pneumatics
Compressor Accumulators
Source of Air Flow Driven by electric motor Provides the energy to perform the work Reservoir tank - Energy Storage Devices
Actuators
Cylinders convert energy in the compressed air pressure to linear power. Make things move
Linear Rotary
Pneumatics
Connectors tubing Pressure regulators
Valves
2-way 3-way 4-way
Plumbing- connectors -flexible tube
Pressure control -controls the force of the actuator
Control direction of flow
Compressor Thomas industries
12 volt system Generates pressure of 120 psi Compact Vibration isolators
Additional Compressor Components
Relief Valve
on Compressor Protects compressor
Pressure Switch
Signals the controller to start or stop the compressor
Common
Pressure In
NC
NO
Accumulators Pneumatic tank
Up to two Store compressed air at 120 psi Helps keep the pressure constant Smooth out the pressure fluctuation
Cylinders
Rotary Actuator
Fittings and Plugs
Flow Controls
Regulate flow of air into and out of a cylinder Used to control speed of a pneumatic cylinder If used, attach directly to cylinder (only one end needed)
Exhaust Valve
Use to release pressure
Fittings
Connection and Disconnection
Regulators
Regulators Control Pressure
Relieving type in the FIRST kit 2 are included The use of Regulators assures maximum efficiency
Allows air from reservoirs to flow to rest of pneumatic system Limits pressure in valves, cylinders to 60 psi
Solenoid Electric Valves
Pneumatic Actuators
Pneumatic Actuators applies force or creates motion through the use of a pneumatic system
Pneumatic Actuators
Use Pressurized Air to achieve motion Provide power and speed to any actuation system. Variety of Actuation mechanisms available
Arms Grippers Shifters
Arms
Grippers
Shifters
Actuators
Construction & Operation
Basic Construction
Operation
Compressed Air
is routed by the valve to extend or retract the cylinder
Actuators
Most Common types of Linear Actuators
Double Acting Single Ended Double Ended
Single Acting
All contain
Cylinder Piston Rod Seals Spring
Barrel
Spring Return
if used
Facts about Pneumatics
Pressure Units of measure
Lbs per in2 or Force per unit area Absolute Pressure 14.7 psia at sea level Gauge Pressure measured relative to ambient
Flow
cfm cubic foot (feet) per minute Volume per unit time Scfm Standard cubic foot (feet) per minute
Force Principles
Gauge Pressure works against each square inch of piston surface
The greater the square inch surface of the fluid, the less internal pressure will be developed.
Actuators
Differential Areas
Force Consideration
Consider the effective area on which the pressure acts On single ended cylinders there is a differential Dont forget friction
Cylinders
Force = Pressure Area
2 diameter piston Area = 3.14 12 = 3.14 in2 Pressure = 60 psi 3.14 in2 60 psi = 188 lbs Force while extending greater than while retracting
Main decisions: Length and diameter
Diameter based on required force Larger diameter: more force, but more air
Cylinder maximum force
Dia Cylinder - 10 Throw 1-1/2 Dia Cylinder -24 Throw 2 Dia Cylinder -24 Throw
26 lb max force 106 lb max force
188 lb max force
Cylinder Forces
Force Applied = Pressure * Cross Sectional Area
Pressure applied on a flat plate, causes a force! The bigger the plate, or the higher the pressure, the greater the force.
Less force in than out.
This is due to a reduced cross section (caused by the rod being in the way!)
1.5 Bore Cylinder
Base Dimension = 4.38 + Stroke Length = ? + Locking Nut = .25 + Clevis Dimension = 1.31
Retracted Length = 4.38 + Stroke + .25 + 1.31 = 5.94 + Stroke Extended Length = 5.94 + (2 x Stroke Length)
Single Solenoid Valve
When energized, cylinder goes to one state When de-energized, cylinder always returns to rest state
When power is cut at the end of the match, cylinder will return to rest state
Each valve powered by one relay module (only in
Double Solenoid Valves
One solenoid pulsed to move cylinder one way, other solenoid pulsed to move cylinder the other way Results unpredictable if both pulsed Valve will stay in either state when neither solenoid energized Can use one relay for each solenoid or one relay and two diodes
4-way Valves in your kit
Double Solenoid (detented)
SMC
Single Solenoid (spring offset)
SMC
4-way Valves in your kit
Single Solenoid (spring offset)
Festo
4-way Valves in your kit
Single Solenoid Poppet (Spring Offset)
4-way 5-port Valves
Directional Control
Spring Solenoid
Passage A Passage B Spool
Valve Body Pressure Passage Exhaust Passage
Why use Pneumatics in 2006? The Advantages
Complete kit: All the parts required to build an operating system Weight: equal or lighter than comparable alternatives Adjustable Force: Different bore cylinders change the available force
and
By adjusting the applied pressure you can instantly adjust the force
Why use Pneumatics in 2006? The Advantages
Durable
no burned up motors stall with no damage
Custom cylinders
in just a few days by UPS
Strong
from 9 lbs to 180 lbs easily adjustable
Last minute additions
add a valve or a cylinder quickly
Why use Pneumatics in 2006? The Advantages
Multiple cylinders use same compressor Strong from 9 lbs to 180 lbs easily adjustable
Custom cylinders in just a few days by UPS
Last minute additions add a valve or a cylinder quickly
Why do we design with pneumatics?
Simple Pneumatic Cylinders are force vectors. Each cylinder represents a force, which will be applied over a certain distance. Most pneumatic design involves arms or linkages of some type. Know principles of leverage and torque!
Safety
Safety MUST always be considered
Compressed Air is like a coiled spring
Relieve the pressure before working on the system Be aware of pinch points Avoid side-loading increases friction and wear Avoid getting grit or metal shavings on the rod or in the cylinder Use flow controls for safety
Interesting Links
Fluid Power Educational Foundation [Link] Bimba Manufacturing [Link]
Clippard Instrument Lab.
Nason Corporation
[Link]
Bosch Rexroth www. [Link] [Link]
Lord Corp
[Link]
Fluid Power Dist. Assn [Link]
[Link]
Monnier, Inc.
[Link]
Fluid Power Society
[Link] Natl Fluid Power Assn [Link]
Wika
[Link]/WikaSit e/[Link]
Norgren
[Link]
Festo
[Link]
Parker
[Link]
SMC Pneumatics
[Link]
Q/A
Any Questions? About this lecture? About Pneumatics? About Design? About FIRST? About the Game?