A study on a hybrid actuator

Classically, constant speed motors drive some mechanical transmissions such as gears, cams and linkages in order to produce non-uniform motion in machines. Such machines may allow a limited flexibility, by changing dimensions of the components. To answer the need for flexibility constant speed motors are replaced by servomotors. Besides other disadvantages, the cost of this solution is often very high especially for large capacity machines. Hybrid machines, which are a combination of two types of motors and mechanisms, have flexibility at a reduced cost. A new hybrid actuator is proposed in the study presented here.