Actuator Design

The preceding chapters were focused on the basics of control engineering and kinematic design. They covered topics of structuring and fundamental character. This and the following chapters deal with the design of technical components as parts of haptic devices. Actuators are the most important elements of every haptic device, as their selection respectively their design influences the quality of the haptic impression significantly. This chapter deals with frequently used actuators structured according to their physical working principle. Each actuator type is discussed as to its most important physical basics, with examples of their dimensioning, and one or more applications given. Other, rarely used actuator principles for haptic systems are mentioned in section 9.6 “special forms”, or are classified in the overview of physical working principles in section 9.1.