Mini actuators, also referred to as small electric actuators have a number of applications in automobiles, apart from mechanics and car buffs, which most of the vehicle users might not be aware of. The automobile industries find linear actuators very useful in enabling the performance of many automotive functions.
Automotive actuator applications in the headlamps, which move to illuminate and track the road, is one of the most important feature found in many of the modern expensive car models. “The advent of small electric actuators (see more http://www.
Headlight Motors and Leveling Systems
Many headlights are fixed and move with the direction and the position of the vehicle on which they are fitted on. However, in some cars, the pair of headlights are adjustable to focus the beam of light on undulating or bent road surfaces properly by turning up, down or sideways. Small actuators driven by permanent magnets enable this operation. The exact positioning of the headlights is controlled by actuator and headlight motors by using an electronic system through the cam-operated switch which controls every headlight motor, as well as by a switch fitted at the vehicle’s dashboard.
Figure 1. Headlight motor
Due to the fact that mini electric actuators convert energy into diverse types of linear motion, in a similar way as a standard actuator, but in small packets, they are the most appropriate choices for this operation. In addition, they are much smaller than the standard actuators and, therefore, they are the best in giving linear actuation in compact and tight spaces such as in an automotive headlight mount.
Figure 2. Mini electric actuators
Moreover, small actuators operate automatic headlight leveling systems that automatically configures the angle of inclination of the headlamp to the location of the car on the road. The law requires that vehicles with xenon headlamps should have headlamp leveling systems, which are available in two types, that is, dynamic and semi-static systems.
Figure 3. Headlamp leveling system
The dynamic systems used in xenon headlamps respond to alteration in inclination associated to driving such as braking or acceleration. Semi-static headlight leveling systems on the other hand solely correct alteration in inclination due to the changes in load.
The Other Uses of Electric Actuators in Automotive
The state of modern car draws its credit from the use of actuators. The traditional cars used analog mechanical actuators to allow for manual adjustments of seats and winding up and down of windows. The development of mini electric actuators has enabled the operation of many automotive applications. The average modern car contains more than a hundred pneumatic, actuators and hydraulic. Electric actuators are also used in car door locks, windshield wipers, control fuel injectors, hoods and trunk locks, car’s throttle, and cars parking brake. Their other applications include in power brake systems and power steering, index gearboxes and clutch control, extend and contrast audio system components, and in gas cap covers.
The average modern car contains more than a hundred pneumatic, actuators and hydraulic. Electric actuators are also used in car door locks, windshield wipers, control fuel injectors, hoods and trunk locks, car’s throttle, and cars parking brake. Their other applications include in power brake systems and power steering, index gearboxes and clutch control, extend and contrast audio system components, and in gas cap covers.
Conclusion
For a solution in automotive linear actuator needs, it is recommendable for one to consider contacting a reputable company that has long experience in the supply of electric linear actuators for the modern vehicles. In addition, such companies provide high-class engineering expertise as well as innovative solutions that addresses most challenging linear actuator needs.
