Linear actuators have totally revolutionized the way things move around us. This invention of modern technology has allowed automated mechanization to replace manual work in performing routine, motional operations. By transforming pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric energy into linear displacement, actuators are perfect for automating any object. Their universality of these components has found ideas virtually in all aspects of life – from agriculture and aerospace to medicine and education. The advantage of using these devices lies in the fact that a user need not be a specialist in any industry to appreciate them. Their ease of installation and usage allows us to automate anything homemade, thus, effortlessly integrating them into our homes for our total convenience.
In this article, we’ve highlighted a few DIY projects using our linear actuators that have caught our eye over the past few years. We have a range of
In-Home Projects Using Linear Actuators
Here are a few projects that automate tasks within your home, from pop-up spice racks and drop-down TVs to a flight simulator – we’ve got you covered!
Pop-Up Spice Racks and Adjustable Kitchen Cabinetry
Being the hub of the house, the kitchen provides the perfect space to introduce homemade automation – the simplest example being an
Shoes in a ‘Nicebox’
Cedric Townsend of ‘Nicebox’, built a customized storage box for the Minnesota Vikings’ WR Charles Johnson. This was done using our actuators and control systems. The actuators are used to open the lid of the box and to further extend the lower drawer during use.
Backyard and Lawn Automation
A key requirement for utilizing these devices outdoors is implementing the use of highly protected actuators. For certain projects, sensors may also be required, but once acquired the options are endless. Examples of implementation are lighting, such as spotlights, floodlights, or landscape lights, or watering for example with sprinklers and drippers.
Japanese Style Hidden Table Lift
Minimalism has become quite the fad when it comes to interior design. This space-saver is ideal for a modern home or apartment, especially if space is scarce!
Planetarium Projector
‘The Planetarium Projector’ was built by Free Fall Technologies in their attempt to reach for the stars. The project is a custom planetarium projector lift that utilizes our FLT-03-2-1 Lifting Column set, allowing for a vertical movement.
Portable Solar Tracker
Last but not least, is our very own Portable Single-Axis Solar Tracker. With solar power growing as one of the most accessible and affordable types of renewable energy, we thought it would be interesting to demonstrate how energy can be trapped using controlled movement.
Conclusion
Linear actuators can be part of many modern DIY projects enabling extra comfort, a considerable saving of space, and other amenities that make our everyday life exceptionally convenient and user-friendly. If you’ve worked or are working on a project using our linear actuators, we would love to know more about it! You can also apply for our project sponsorship program, which gives inventive DIY projects using our actuators a retroactive discount on their order.