There are various types of electric motors, as you well know if you read us frequently. In other articles we have presented other important motors for your DIY projects with Arduino or Mechatronic, but in this new article we will focus on a specific type of engine: linear motor.
For Learn more In this regard, I invite you to continue reading...
What is a linear motor?
Un linear motor It is a special type of electric motor that differs from conventional motors in that it does not produce a rotary movement, that is, it does not rotate an axis, but rather generates a linear force along its length. This type of motor works mainly as a Lorentz-type actuator, where the force generated is directly related to the electric current and the applied magnetic field.
There are different designs of linear motors, but they are generally divided into two categories main: engines
- Low acceleration engines- They are suitable for applications such as maglev train and other high-efficiency ground transportation systems. These trains can be propelled across the tracks using electricity and magnetism, and can travel at high speeds, although they need more time to accelerate to maximum speed.
- High acceleration linear motors: They are usually shorter and are designed to accelerate objects to extremely high speeds, as is the case with railguns. They are commonly used in high-speed applications, such as weapons or mass thrusters in space propulsion systems. These motors typically have a design that includes an active winding on one side of the gap between the magnetic components and a passive conductive plate on the other side. An example is the railgun type homopolar direct current linear motor.
On the other hand, low-throttle, high-speed, high-power engines are often of the type linear synchronous motors (LSM), which feature an active winding on one side of the gap between the magnetic components and a set of magnets with alternating poles on the other side. These magnets can be permanent magnets or electromagnets. The Shanghai Transrapid engine is an example of an LSM.
Linear Motor Applications
Linear motors are electromechanical devices that have a wide variety of applications in various industries, such as:
- High speed transportation: High-speed transportation systems, such as magnetic levitation (maglev) trains, often use linear motors to achieve very high speeds and notable energy efficiency. These motors allow linear propulsion through magnetic fields.
- Manufacturing and automation: In manufacturing and automation environments, linear motors are used in CNC (computer numerical control) machines, 3D printers, and material handling systems. Their precision and ability to control movement make them ideal for these applications.
- Robotics: They are used in robots and robotic manipulators to control the precise movements of joints and tools. This is essential in the automotive, electronics and assembly industries.
- Aerospace: In the aerospace industry, linear motors can be found in flight control systems, surface control actuators, and other components critical to the navigation and control of aircraft and satellites.
- Science and medicine: Linear motors are used in medical diagnostic equipment, high-precision microscopes, and chemical analysis systems. Its ability for highly precisely controlled movements is vital in these applications.
- Scientific investigation: In research laboratories, linear motors are used in physics and chemistry experiments, as well as in test and measurement equipment. Its ability to provide accurate movements is essential in scientific research. For example, in force measurement equipment, etc.
- Defense technology: They are used in military applications, such as weapons systems, targeting devices, and high-precision positioning systems.
- Simulators and entertainment: In the entertainment industry, linear motors are used in flight simulators, driving simulators, and theme park attractions to create immersive, realistic experiences.
types that exist
Among linear motors we can distinguish various types within the categories I mentioned above. In this case it has to do with the type of impulse they use to move. And we have to highlight:
- induction motor- In this design, force is generated by moving a linear magnetic field that interacts with conductors in its surroundings. When any type of conductor, such as a coil, a loop or even a piece of metal, is placed in this field, eddy currents are generated which in turn create an opposing magnetic field, following Lenz's law. The two opposing magnetic fields repel each other, causing movement as the magnetic field sweeps through the metal.
- Synchronous Motor: The speed of the moving magnetic field is generally controlled by electronic devices to regulate the movement of the rotor. Due to cost considerations, linear synchronous motors rarely use commutators, so the rotor often incorporates permanent magnets or soft iron. Examples of these types of motors include coilguns and motors used in maglev systems.
- Homopolar: A high current is passed through a metal sabot using sliding contacts fed from two rails. The generation of a magnetic field due to this action causes the metal to project along the tracks.
- Piezoelectric– Small linear motors often use a piezoelectric system to generate motion.
Now you know what linear motors are, so you can start using them in your projects for different applications. Its use is the same as other types of engines that we have explained to you in this blog, such as linear actuators, very similar to these engines…