Pneumatics is the branch of mechanics that deals

with the mechanical application of gasses.

Applications include creating linear actuations
through the use of cylinders, creating suction to
pick up objects, and even creating rotary motion
with certain devices.

What are pneumatics

Mechanisms which use
air pressure to apply
mechanical force and
displacement (work)
The pneumatic devices
we use are basically
binary actuators
either retracted or
extended

Retracted
Cylinder

Extended
Cylinder

What are pneumatics good for?

Mechanisms requiring (2) discrete states
Gear shifters
Gripper articulation
Lifters
Brakes

and a significant force or displacement

Strengths

Simple
Easy to control
Can apply a lot of force from a small, light package
Force is limited by air pressure and cylinder
diameter
No adverse consequence if cylinder is stopped (no
stalled motors) or reversed compressed air is a
spring

In Industry
Pneumatic actuators are extensively used by
the Chemical Process Industry due to their
intrinsic safety and their ability to fail safe (w/
spring return)
2-position
pneumatic
actuator
driving a
4-way
ball valve

pneumatically
driven flow
control valves
(butterfly type)

C-Rio
Computer that controls all devices on robot.

Digital sidecar
Provides extra digital and analog inputs and outputs
For the C-Rio.

Manual relief valve

Allows for manual relief of pressure when robot is
not in use.
Compressor
Provides compressed air for robot

Relief valve
Relieves pressure over 120 psi for safety.

Pressure sensor
Used to tell when the compressor should turn off.

Storage tank
Up to 4 are used on the robot to store air until it is
needed. Depending on their size, less may be used

Pressure regulator
Prevents dangerous pressure levels from being put
into the system. Lowers pressure from 120 psi to 60
psi

Pressure gauge
Gives a visual indication of pressure in the system

Brass Fittings
Connect Pneumatic tubing to devices such as
compressors, tanks, and pistons

NOTE: Teflon tape is used to insure a tight

connection between threaded fittings. Always leave
the first few threads of the fitting free of tape to
make it easier to begin tightening the fitting.

Solenoid
Controls whether a piston is extended or retracted.

Pneumatic piston/ rotary actuator

Extends and retracts to move another component
of the robot

How it works
NPTF Air Port (Retraction)
Typically,
pressure
is applied
to one port
while the
other is
vented to
atmosphere
- so DP is
regulated
gauge
pressure
(60 psi max)

Seals
Piston

Rod
Cylinder
Force = Area (in2) x D Pressure (lbf/in2)
Extension Area = Cylinder CS Area
Subtract Rod CS Area for Retraction

NPTF Air Port (Extension)

More works
We may specify

Cylinder Diameter sets Force @ a pressure

Stroke Length
Mounting Options
Rod Material
Rod Extensions
Spring Return
.
Stroke
Length

Cylinder Specs (Bimba DXP/DX/DP)

Air Pressure (gauge):

Dimension (in)
Nominal
3/4"
7/8"
1-1/16"
1-1/4"
1-1/2"
1-3/4"
2"
2-1/2"
3"

Cyl ID
0.750
0.875
1.063
1.250
1.500
1.750
2.000
2.500
3.000

Rod OD
0.250
0.250
0.313
0.438
0.438
0.500
0.500
0.500
0.625

Area (in2)
Extend
Retract
0.44
0.39
0.60
0.55
0.89
0.81
1.23
1.08
1.77
1.62
2.41
2.21
3.14
2.95
4.91
4.71
7.07
6.76

60 lbf/in
Force (lbf)
Extend
27
36
53
74
106
144
188
295
424

Retract
24
33
49
65
97
133
177
283
406

Mass (lbm)
Base
0.21
0.32
0.33
0.71
0.73
1.64
1.62
2.27
3.87

per inch
0.03
0.03
0.05
0.08
0.08
0.11
0.15
0.17
0.26

Length (in)
Base
3.75
3.56
3.84
4.72
4.38
5.75
5.62
5.62
6.50

The pneumatic system I

(the investment)
Users

Pressure
Regulator

Pressure
Gauge

High Pressure

High-Pressure
Air Storage

High-Pressure
Air Storage

Gauge

Low Pressure

Pressure

Pressure
Vent
Valve

Pressure
Safety
Valve

Pressure

Switch

Motor

Controller

Spike

Compressor

The pneumatic system II

(the solenoid valve)

All ports
NPTF

Port B
Vent A

State A
A

Air Supply
(Pressure)

Vent B
V

State B
A

Port A
V

The pneumatic system III

(device control)
State A Extends rod
State B Retracts rod

flexible tubing

Air
Pressure

Controller

Spike

A restrictor valve in Vent B

slows extension speed
without affecting retraction
speed

The pneumatic system III

(device control)
If you are using pairs of
cylinders which are activated
together, they can be driven
by common solenoids

State A Extends rod

State B Retracts rod

flexible tubing

Air
Pressure

Controller

Spike

A restrictor valve in Vent B

slows extension speed
without affecting retraction
speed

Plumbing Tubing Fittings

Male Elbow - SMC KQL07-34S

Male Connector - SMC KQH07-34S

Tee - SMC KQT07-00

Restrictor Elbow - SMC NAS2201F-N01-07S

Something outside the box

Team 386 (2006)

a better vacuum
Team 386 used suction to lift ringers,
but was underwhelmed by the vacuum
developed by venturi

Team 386 (2006)

a better vacuum
Team 386 used suction to lift ringers,
but was underwhelmed by the vacuum
developed by venturi

Retracting the smaller cylinder

Team 386 (2006)

a better vacuum

Generates a high
vacuum on the
larger cylinder

Retracting the smaller cylinder

Team 386 (2006)

a better vacuum
Separate cylinder sets were used for
each suction cup, providing redundancy

Generates a high
vacuum on the
larger cylinder

Retracting the smaller cylinder

Team 386 (2006)

a better vacuum
Separate cylinder sets were used for
each suction cup, providing redundancy
Extending the small cylinders released
the vacuum and dropped the ringer

Breaks the vacuum

Extending the smaller cylinder

Pneumatics has applications in just about every

industry. From manufacturing, automobile repair, and
Dentistry, to robotics, prosthetics, and rollercoasters.