Actuator Design

Abstract Actuators are the most important elements of any haptic device. Their selection or design significantly influences quality impression. This chapter deals with commonly used actuators, organized according to their physical principle operation. It focuses on electrodynamic, electromagnetic, electrostatic and piezoelectric actuator principles. Each type is discussed in terms its main principles, examples sizing one more applications. Other, less frequently principles mentioned several examples. The preceding chapters focused basics control engineering kinematic design. They covered topics structuring fundamental character. following deal technical components as parts devices. Experience teaches us that actuators for applications can rarely be found “off-the-shelf”. requirements always include some outstanding features rotational frequency, power-density, working point, geometry. These specialities make it necessary helpful users aware capabilities possibilities modifying existing actuators. Hence this addresses both groups readers: who want choose a certain mechanical engineer intends specific device from scratch.