Servomechanisms

The initial servomechanism was developed in the course of the 19th century along with temperature and speed controllers focused on water turbines, designed by Woodward in 1870. It was invented by SS Great Eastern who designed the patent. However, the pioneer was McFarlane.

The servomechanism, also known as servo drive, is an instrument that gives us the possibility to transmit a physical magnitude, being able to maintain a ratio between the command and the result.

servomechanisms have several advantages, such as being an instrument that is always constant and maintains the same rhythm. In addition, they can operate at high speeds. On the other hand, the current can be increased while the motor is being driven.

There are several types of servo drives depending on the type of motor: mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, and electronic.

All servomechanisms have some characteristics in common, which we can see below.

Artificial → man-made

- Sensory → can be perceived by the stimuli around us.

- Controlled → controls both speed and position

- Actuator → can produce movements by itself

Types of servo motors:

- Positional rotation servo: this type of servo is the most commonly used. The positional rotation servo has limits that take care of the rotation sensor so that it rotates beyond its set physical limits.

- Continuous rotation servo: This servo is like the positional rotation servo, but unlike the positional rotation servo, it does not have a direction stop when rotating.

- Linear servo: The linear servo consists of additional gears in addition to the positional rotation servo.

Where can we find servomechanisms?

Servo motors can be found in various industries, but the most important ones are:

Robotics = focuses on automatic control. More specifically in robotics, we can find them in any robot arm that is needed in an assembly line. The operation is due to mechanical and electrical systems that produce the movements necessary for the machine to function. Any servomechanism is composed of sensors (either speed or positioning sensors), a feedback mechanism, a gear, and a controller.

• Automotive sector = deals with remote control.