Swashplate Linear Actuator Control With Servo Cylinders

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In the photo below are Ultra Motion’s A2 Servo Cylinders being shown off in a swashplate control application for a twin-rotor UAV helicopter. The A2 Servo Cylinder’s high dynamic performance, reliable operation in harsh conditions, and Phase Index absolute position feedback makes it the perfect solution for unmanned vehicle control applications. A variety of control interfaces including CAN 2.0B, RS-422 serial and RC-PWM greatly simplifies interfacing the Servo Cylinder with COTS autopilots or custom avionics.

Check out this post for the latest look at our UAV actuator solution: the AM Servo Cylinder.

Introducing New R-Series Aerospace Actuators

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Designed for the demanding shock and vibration environments of the new-space industry, the R-Series actuators from Ultra Motion leverage years of heritage in high reliability actuator design for spaceflight applications. Using Ultra Motion’s flight proven, patented Phase Index absolute position sensor, the R-Series provides high resolution absolute position feedback in the most extreme environments and with uncontested mass, economy, and power density. The R-Series actuators are the perfect solution for high reliability new-space and aerospace applications such as thrust vector control, throttle control, and fin control.

  • Dual Redundant Absolute Position Feedback
  • Forces up to 1200 lbf peak
  • Speeds up to 2.5 in/s
  • Stroke up to 3.5 inches
  • Mass < 3.0 lbm

The R-Series is a modular platform allowing for application specific requirements to easily be met, such as Mighty Mouse connectors, specific mounting arrangements, variations in force/speed, etc. Contact Ultra Motion engineering for more details.

Thrust Vector Control with Ultra Motion’s B1 Actuators

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Ultra Motion’s B1 series uses best-in-class motors and robust mechanics to provide extremely high power density linear actuators. The B1 can provide continuous forces up to 500 lbf with speeds up to 2.75 in/s, or 200 lbf continuous with speeds up to 8.0 in/s. The low inertia motors offer excellent performance for applications requiring high bandwidth such as Thrust Vector Control (TVC). The B1 works well with 28 VDC power buses and is a great choice for aerospace, microsatellite launch vehicles, robotics, and scientific research applications where small form factor and high power density are critical.

Vacuum Linear Actuators

High Force Capability Vacuum Linear Actuators

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Over 20 years of linear motion experience has culminated in the development of a design and assembly process that produces a high performing linear actuator rated for forces up to 500 lbf and operation within vacuums to 10^-6 Torr. Our vacuum actuators make use of special lubricants, plastics, and motors, as well as design features to eliminate virtual leaks. Ultra Motion is a trusted source of high quality vacuum linear actuators for Brookhaven National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and more. Contact us for more information.

Servo Cylinders in Parallel Mechanism Space Structures Robot

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Six Standard (A1) Servo Cylinders were used on the NINJAR robot to help NASA meet its goals for robotic in-space assembly and manufacturing. The Servo Cylinders are mounted in a parallel kinematic arrangement to provide multiple degrees of freedom and high stiffness to the structure. The parallel manipulator allows for complete control over the structure’s shape with very high precision and repeatability.

More about the project here.

Throttle Valve Actuators

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Using a triple redundant version of Ultra Motion’s Phase Index absolute position sensing technology, these actuators provide high accuracy, high bandwidth control over propellant flow in a manned spaceflight application. In order to comply with NASA-STD-5017 requirements, these actuators were designed to provide utmost reliability across extreme environmental conditions (shock, vibe, saltwater submergence, and a wide temperature range)

The Industrial Servo Cylinder, Series A2

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The A2 Industrial Servo Cylinder is designed to excel in industrial/harsh environments where exposure to dirt, liquids, washdown, or other demanding conditions may be expected. The A2 Industrial Servo Cylinder makes use of the same robust control electronics and drive components as the A1, but includes several upgrades to increase its environmental ruggedness. Upgrades include:

  • Liquid-tight sealed enclosure
  • Enhanced shaft seal design
  • Rugged metal shell connectors
  • 100% pressurized leak test to >15psi
  • Internal humidity control
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Power Supply Unit

New Product: Ultra Motion Power Supply Unit

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The Ultra Motion Power Supply Unit is an unregulated AC to DC supply designed specifically for DC motion control applications, including ServoCylinder, and is perfectly suited to most 36V DC motor applications. A Power Supply Unit (PSU) used in DC motion control applications must be sufficiently robust to provide the large bursts of current typical of motor acceleration, while also being capable of tolerating large voltage spikes generated by the motor during deceleration.

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Phase Index Animation Video

Phase Index Absolute Position Animation

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Servo Cylinder 1-2 MS Pulse

A1 Servo Cylinder RC PWM (1-2 ms pulse) Demonstration

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RC PWM (1 to 2 ms pulse) is a common protocol used by professional autopilots for high end UAV platforms. The Servo Cylinder actuator will accept 50 Hz and up to 333 Hz RC PWM natively through the optically isolated digital inputs. The Servo Cylinder provides high reliability actuation in a rugged package and makes integration into unmanned vehicles extremely simple.