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Overhung load adaptors provide load support and contamination protection

Overhung load adaptors (OHLA) provide both overhung radial and axial load support to protect electrified mobile equipment motors from heavy application loads, extending the lifetime of the motor and alleviating the cost of downtime both from maintenance costs and loss of production. They seal out dirt, grime, and other contaminants too. Zero-Max OHLAs are available in an extensive offering of standard models (including Extra-Duty options) for typical applications or customized designs.
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Why choose electric for linear actuators?

Tolomatic has been delivering a new type of linear motion technology that is giving hydraulics a run for its money. Learn the benefits of electric linear motion systems, the iceberg principle showing total cost of ownership, critical parameters of sizing, and conversion tips.
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New AC hypoid inverter-duty gearmotors

Bodine Electric Company introduces 12 new AC inverter-duty hypoid hollow shaft gearmotors. These type 42R-25H2 and 42R-30H3 drives combine an all-new AC inverter-duty, 230/460-VAC motor with two hypoid gearheads. When used with an AC inverter (VFD) control, these units deliver maintenance-free and reliable high-torque output. They are ideal for conveyors, gates, packaging, and other industrial automation equipment that demands both high torque and low power consumption from the driving gearmotor.
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Next-gen warehouse automation: Siemens, Universal Robots, and Zivid partner up

Universal Robots, Siemens, and Zivid have created a new solution combining UR's cobot arms with Siemens' SIMATIC Robot Pick AI software and Zivid's 3D sensors to create a deep-learning picking solution for warehouse automation and intra-logistics fulfillment. It works regardless of object shape, size, opacity, or transparency and is a significant leap in solving the complex challenges faced by the logistics and e-commerce sectors.
Read the full article.

Innovative DuoDrive gear and motor unit is UL/CSA certified

The DuoDrive integrated gear unit and motor from NORD DRIVE-SYSTEMS is a compact, high-efficiency solution engineered for users in the fields of intralogistics, pharmaceutical, and the food and beverage industries. This drive combines a IE5+ synchronous motor and single-stage helical gear unit into one compact housing with a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. It has a system efficiency up to 92% and is available in two case sizes with a power range of 0.5 to 4.0 hp.
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BLDC flat motor with high output torque and speed reduction

Portescap's 60ECF brushless DC slotted flat motor is the newest frame size to join its flat motor portfolio. This 60-mm BLDC motor features a 38.2-mm body length and an outer-rotor slotted configuration with an open-body design, allowing it to deliver improved heat management in a compact package. Combined with Portescap gearheads, it delivers extremely high output torque and speed reduction. Available in both sensored and sensorless options. A great choice for applications such as electric grippers and exoskeletons, eVTOLs, and surgical robots.
Learn more and view all the specs.

Application story: Complete gearbox and coupling assembly for actuator system

Learn how GAM engineers not only sized and selected the appropriate gear reducers and couplings required to drive two ball screws in unison using a single motor, but how they also designed the mounting adapters necessary to complete the system. One-stop shopping eliminated unnecessary components and resulted in a 15% reduction in system cost.
Read this informative GAM blog.

Next-gen motor for pump and fan applications

The next evolution of the award-winning Aircore EC motor from Infinitum is a high-efficiency system designed to power commercial and industrial applications such as HVAC fans, pumps, and data centers with less energy consumption, reduced emissions, and reduced waste. It features an integrated variable frequency drive and delivers upward of 93% system efficiency, as well as class-leading power and torque density in a low-footprint package that is 20% lighter than the previous version. Four sizes available.
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Telescoping linear actuators for space-constrained applications

Rollon's new TLS telescoping linear actuators enable long stroke lengths with minimal closed lengths, which is especially good for applications with minimal vertical clearance. These actuators integrate seamlessly into multi-axis systems and are available in two- or three-stage versions. Equipped with a built-in automated lubrication system, the TLS Series features a synchronized drive system, requiring only a single motor to achieve motion. Four sizes (100, 230, 280, and 360) with up to 3,000-mm stroke length.
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Competitively priced long-stroke parallel gripper

The DHPL from Festo is a new generation of pneumatic long-stroke grippers that offers a host of advantages for high-load and high-torque applications. It is interchangeable with competitive long-stroke grippers and provides the added benefits of lighter weight, higher precision, and no maintenance. It is ideal for gripping larger items, including stacking boxes, gripping shaped parts, and keeping bags open. It has high repetition accuracy due to three rugged guide rods and a rack-and-pinion design.
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Extend your range of motion: Controllers for mini motors

FAULHABER has added another extremely compact Motion Controller without housing to its product range. The new MC3603 controller is ideal for integration in equipment manufacturing and medical tech applications. With 36 V and 3 A (peak current 9 A), it covers the power range up to 100 W and is suitable for DC motors with encoder, brushless drives, or linear motors.
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When is a frameless brushless DC motor the right choice?

Frameless BLDC motors fit easily into small, compact machines that require high precision, high torque, and high efficiency, such as robotic applications where a mix of low weight and inertia is critical. Learn from the experts at SDP/SI how these motors can replace heavier, less efficient hydraulic components by decreasing operating and maintenance costs. These motors are also more environmentally friendly than others.
View the video.

Tiny and smart: Step motor with closed-loop control

Nanotec's new PD1-C step motor features an integrated controller and absolute encoder with closed-loop control. With a flange size of merely 28 mm (NEMA 11), this compact motor reaches a max holding torque of 18 Ncm and a peak current of 3 A. Three motor versions are available: IP20 protection, IP65 protection, and a motor with open housing that can be modified with custom connectors. Ideal for applications with space constraints, effectively reducing both wiring complexity and installation costs.
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Closed loop steppers drive new motion control applications

According to the motion experts at Performance Motion Devices, when it comes to step motors, the drive technique called closed loop stepper is making everything old new again and driving a burst of interest in the use of two-phase step motors. It's "winning back machine designers who may have relegated step motors to the category of low cost but low performance."
Read this informative Performance Motion Devices article.

Intelligent compact drives with extended fieldbus options

The intelligent PD6 compact drives from Nanotec are now available with Profinet and EtherNet/IP. They combine motor, controller, and encoder in a space-saving package. With its 80-mm flange and a rated power of 942 W, the PD6-EB is the most powerful brushless DC motor of this product family. The stepper motor version has an 86-mm flange (NEMA 34) and a holding torque up to 10 Nm. Features include acceleration feed forward and jerk-limited ramps. Reduced installation time and wiring make the PD6 series a highly profitable choice for machine tools, packaging machines, or conveyor belts.
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Bionic power knee: Self-generated power could reduce Soldiers' load

The bionic power knee harvester (pictured here), also known as the PowerWalk, is an energy-harvesting device. The device may reduce the number of batteries a warfighter needs to carry, potentially lightening the load and freeing up space in backpacks for other supplies, including food and water. [Photo Credit: Bionic Power Inc.]

 

 

 

 

By Jane Benson, NSRDEC, Natick, MA

Today's warfighters may one day find themselves knee-deep in power.

The bionic power knee harvester, also known as the PowerWalk, is an energy-harvesting device that is attached to both the upper and lower areas of both legs and generates power from movement. The device is still in development. Field trials will begin in 2017.

The device is designed to extract the energy expended when the knee is flexed and negative work is being performed. The system adjusts to a person's gait, so Soldiers don't feel like they are wearing a device and can even forget that they have it on.

"Just by walking, Soldiers could generate power," said Noel Soto, a project engineer at the Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center, or NSRDEC. "We are converting the movement of the knees when you walk into useful power."

Soldiers now carry multiple electronic devices that aid in strategy, communication, and navigation, including computers, radios, mobile phones, battlefield situational displays, and navigation tools -- to name just a few. Being without power to run these devices could impact Soldier safety, performance, and efficiency.

"The power generated by the device charges the main battery," Soto said. "The goal is to reduce the amount of batteries used by Soldiers, or to be able to extend the mission with the same load. We have found out through studies that Soldiers are carrying a heavy load and a lot of that weight, 16 to 20 pounds for a 72-hour mission, is due to batteries."

By wearing the PowerWalk device, Soldiers can generate power to recharge batteries for themselves or for others. [Photo Credit: Bionic Power Inc.]

 

 

Heavy loads can increase injuries as well as impact mobility. In addition to potentially lightening the load by reducing the number of batteries needed, the energy-harvesting technology could also free up space in backpacks for other supplies, including food and water.

By wearing the device, Soldiers can generate power to recharge batteries for themselves or for others.

"The objective is to have the device weigh one pound and be capable of generating 3.5 watts and to have a device weighing two pounds able to generate 10 watts," Soto said.

NSRDEC is working with Bionic Power Inc. of Canada on the joint-service project, which will benefit the Army and the Marine Corps infantry. Project Manager Soldier Warrior, with the addition of the Office of the Secretary of Defense and USMC, leads the contract.

The project comes under the Joint Infantry Company Prototype Program, which came out of the Soldier Power Generation program. NSRDEC led the original concept for energy harvesting in 2012 through a congressional effort, and PM SWAR funded the next phase, SPG, in 2014.

The device could also serve to reduce the logistical burden.

"In remote places, it could potentially increase self-sustainability and independence by reducing the need for resupply," Soto said.

The knee energy-harvesting device also reduces muscle fatigue during downhill walking.

"As a generator, it creates power," said Soto. "As a motor, it could enhance movement. It could potentially be used in the future for human augmentation. It acts as a brake when you are walking downhill. It actually helps Soldiers by preventing sudden movement on the slope."

For Soto, improving life for the Soldier and lightening the Soldier's load are professional goals that also have personal meaning.

"I am a disabled veteran," Soto said. "I know what it's like to carry a lot of weight on my back. I served with the 82nd Airborne. Everywhere we went was uphill, both ways. Now, I'm in the driver's seat and able to help. I know it's worthwhile because I've been there. I know I'm doing something valuable for the Soldier."

[Image: Bionic Power Inc.]

 

 

SIDEBAR: PowerWalk Features (from Bionic Power Inc.)

• Anatomically Accurate: The patent-pending four-bar hinge follows the natural biomechanical motion of the knee by tracking both femoral rollback and tibial rotation during knee flexion.
• Unimpeded Mobility: The biomimetic design provides limitless flexion into full squat while allowing the unit to fold up for compact transport.
• Intelligent Response: The PowerWalk's onboard microprocessors analyze walking gait, speed, and terrain to determine the best timing and resistance to generate the maximum amount of power with the least amount of user effort.
• Dual Mode Connectivity: When plugged directly into a battery, the system will act as a battery charger, using SMBus for charge control. When plugged into a soldier power manager, the system will act as an alternative DC power source, using SMBus to communicate power capacity.
• Reduced Metabolic Cost and Fatigue: Taking advantage of the natural braking during downhill walking, test results measured a 20 percent drop in metabolic cost and a 28 percent drop in muscle activity, which can reduce soldier fatigue significantly.
• Adjustable Sizing: The three available size options, with adjustable length shells and straps, ensure the PowerWalk can fit the 5th to 95th percentile of the soldier population.
• High-efficiency Power Conversion: The gearbox, generator, and power conversion were designed from the ground up for optimal efficiency.
• Sealed Construction: Built for all soldier missions, no matter how harsh the environment.

Published November 2016

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