Mechanical System

Agenda

• Mechanical Systems – Contest Outcomes• Basic Pneumatics• The Kit of Parts

About the contest

• Emphasis on– Design Techniques (Discussed tomorrow)– Pneumatics• Basics• Components• Symbols

About Pneumatics

• One type of Fluid Power• Main difference between pneumatics and

Hydraulics: Compressibility

F = PA

Tradeoffs?

Components

• Compressor• Pressure Switch• Pressure Gauge• Regulator• Tank• Flow Control • Directional Control Valves (solenoid valves)• Cylinders• Hose and Fittings

Compressor• The compressor squeezes air into the tank

Pressure Switch & Gauges

Regulator

• Reduces Pressure “downstream”

Tank

• Accumulator, receiver• Size determines how much energy is available.– Keep this in mind when testing on the testbed

Flow Control Fitting

• Restricts airflow in one direction• Controls speed.

Directional Control Valves

• Solenoid Valves, 4 or 5-Way Valves, Spool Valves

Cylinders

• Where the action is• Double acting

Force Available

• At 60 psi…– 5/16 bore• Extend: 4.6 lbs• Retract: 3.8 lbs

– ¾ inch bore• Extend: 26 lbs• Retract: 24 lbs

– 1.5 inch bore• Extend: 106 lbs• Retract 97 lbs

Hose and Prestolock Fittings

Mechanisms

About Parts Available

• Sources:– Kit of Parts– Metal Choices– Material Requisition Form