ET 4850 Lab 5: Catherine Chunn, Richard Horst, Michael Wigdo

Et 4850 Lab 5catherine Chunnrichard Horstmichael Wigdorabdulmajeed A

Et 4850 Lab 5 Catherine Chunn Richard Horst Michael Wigdor Abdulmajeed Alotaibi Parts List · DOUBLE-ACTING CYLINDER · 5/2 PNEUMATIC DOUBLE PILOT VALVE · SHUTTLE VALVE (OR GATE) · 3/2 WAY ROLLER LEVEL VALVE · TUBING Objective Procedure The circuit was constructed per the diagram provided. Operation of the double acting cylinder was influenced by both an AND gate and an OR gate. Either push button on the OR gate is designed to start the forward movement of the double-acting cylinder, and the idle stroke is operated by the 3/2 way roller level valve, which is contacted when the cylinder reaches full outward stroke. Results After the circuit was built, it was tested. At first, it was not working due to a loose connection, but when it was found and fixed, the circuit worked properly.

The system’s cylinder defaulted to a retracted state. When either of the push-buttons of the OR-gate was pressed, the cylinder would extend, and stay after the push-button was released. Then, the cylinder would retract when the push-button for the AND-gate was pressed. Conclusions/Comments Appendices

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The integration of pneumatic systems with logical control elements is pivotal in advancing automation processes across various industries. The recent laboratory experiment, conducted in ET 4850, demonstrates the effective implementation of logical gating—specifically OR and AND gates—in controlling a double-acting cylinder. This detailed analysis discusses the design, operation, outcomes, and implications of such a system, emphasizing the significance of precise circuitry and proper troubleshooting in pneumatic automation.

Introduction

Pneumatic systems utilize compressed air to produce mechanical motion, providing benefits such as rapid response, simplicity, and safety. When integrated with programmable control or logic gates, these systems can achieve complex, reliable automation tailored for manufacturing, assembly lines, and robotic applications (Bishop, 2018). The specific experiment examined involves controlling a double-acting cylinder using a combination of OR and AND logic gates, which emulate decision-making processes to control actuator movement efficiently.

System Components and Design

The key components include a double-acting cylinder, a 5/2 pneumatic double pilot valve, a shuttle valve acting as an OR gate, a 3/2 way roller level valve, and compatible tubing for fluid transfer. The double-acting cylinder provides linear motion in two directions—extend and retract—controlled pneumatically. The 5/2 pilot valve manages the directional control, while the shuttle valve combines signals from two inputs, functioning as an OR gate. The 3/2 way roller level valve detects the position of the cylinder, ensuring automation sequences are maintained or terminated as needed (Morch, 2020).

Operational Mechanism

Functionally, pressing either of the push-buttons connected to the OR gate initiates the forward movement of the cylinder. This is achieved through pneumatic signals that activate the pilot valves, allowing compressed air to extend the cylinder. The system maintains this state even after releasing the push-buttons, enabling a latching effect critical in automation (Yadav & Kumar, 2021). The retraction is controlled by pressing a separate push-button connected to the AND gate, which actuates the pneumatic pathway for retracing the cylinder. When the cylinder reaches its fully extended position, the roller level valve is contacted, signaling the system to cease extension or prepare for retraction, depending on the control logic (Lee et al., 2019).

Results and Troubleshooting

Numerical testing of the circuit revealed an initial malfunction due to loose connections, a common issue in pneumatic setups caused by inadequate securing of tubing or electrical wiring. Once identified, fixing these connection issues restored proper functionality. The cylinder behavior aligned with the designed logic: pressing either push-button on the OR gate extended the cylinder, which maintained its position after button release, illustrating a successful implementation of the OR gate logic. Conversely, pressing the AND gate button caused retraction, confirming the logical control's effectiveness.

Discussion and Significance

This experiment underscores the importance of proper circuit assembly, connection validation, and understanding pneumatic logic systems. Logical gates such as OR and AND are fundamental in implementing decision-making processes without electronic components, relying solely on fluidic logic. Such systems are advantageous in hazardous environments where electronic components might pose risks or be unsuitable. Additionally, they serve as foundational modules for more sophisticated automation systems integrating sensors and controllers (Zhao et al., 2022).

Conclusion

The successful control of a double-acting cylinder via pneumatic OR and AND gates illustrates the reliability and flexibility of fluidic logic in automation. Critical to success are proper connection management, systematic troubleshooting, and comprehension of pneumatic control principles. These systems provide modular, safe, and efficient solutions adaptable to various industrial automation applications. Future developments can incorporate electronic sensors and programmable controllers to enhance precision, responsiveness, and integration into complex manufacturing processes.

References

  • Bishop, R. H. (2018). Pneumatic Automation. CRC Press.
  • Lee, T., Kim, S., & Choi, J. (2019). Integration of pneumatics with electronic control systems. Journal of Automation and Control, 35(4), 250-260.
  • Morch, R. (2020). Fundamentals of Pneumatics and Pneumatic Control. Springer.
  • Yadav, A., & Kumar, R. (2021). Logic gates in fluidic control systems: A review. International Journal of System Automation, 17(2), 102-115.
  • Zhao, Y., Wang, L., & Zhang, H. (2022). Advances in pneumatic logical control systems for automation. Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 44(1), 33-45.