Miniature actuators take a turn for the better

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Nov 6, 2003

A new range of subminiature bidirectional rotary actuators is capable of rotating as much as 60 degrees when actuated and returning instantly to its original position when deactivated.

Capable of rotating as much as 60 degrees when actuated and returning instantly to its original position when deactivated, the new range of subminiature, bidirectional RS-CE rotary actuators from Steadlands benefit from the NanoMuscle technology.

Able to interface with CMOS digital controllers and including all drive electronics, endstop position sensors and position feedback for optional position control, the RS-CE actuator is completely silent and removes the need for a gearbox.

When the control signal is set to high, the actuator shaft starts rotating clockwise 60 degrees and draws the required amount of current from the Vdc pin.

On completing rotation, the internal electronics modulate the current drawn from the Vdc pin to match the required holding power.

The amount of holding power depends on the applied load, ambient temperature and other parameters.

The device will continuously modulate the amount of power drawn while the control is held high.

Once control is set low by the microcontroller, the NanoMuscle actuator stops drawing current and the actuator shaft returns to its original position.

This means that the actuator only draws power for the few hundred milliseconds it is rotating, draws limited power while holding and no power when the shaft is counter rotating.

Available with output shaft options, a choice of mountings and electrical connections, the actuator is highly suited to action figure animation, talking models with lip synchronisation and model creature animation.

For linear applications Steadlands can supply NanoMuscle actuators in other configurations.