The Torlite actuator operates similar in principle to a single acting hydraulic cylinder, which is known for its simplicity and robustness. Rather than being linear, each Torlite cylinder features a curved cylinder body which houses a single piece, curved hydraulic rod. It utilises two single acting and single piece toroidal shaped rods, often referred to as spears.
The Torlite actuator has succeeded where many other Toroidal shaped actuators have failed due to its patented floating seal and gland assembly. The innovative design allows for smooth operation and complete sealing throughout the actuators range of movement.
The Torlite utilises an innovative and patented sealing system to allow positive sealing of the toroidal shaped rod at all times during application.
Currently the Torlite actuator is capable of producing 100 degrees output rotation, with scope to increase to 120 degrees.
As it uses hydraulic oil like any other “hydraulic component”, the Torlite is especially suited to heavy duty applications that require robust design and high torque outputs.
The Torlite with its current hydraulic design is focused on high torque applications, but it is able to be adapted to lighter duty uses in pneumatic systems – air driven rather than hydraulic fluid driven.
The Torlite benefits from its simple and robust design which features only two primary moving parts, these being the toroidal rods extending and retracting within the cylinder housing.
The Torlite design is much simpler than other rotary actuators, such as helical actuators, which have dozens of complex parts and seals. Its simplicity means less maintenance and it also allows the unit to be serviced in-situ for most applications.
The Torlite actuator features an almost constant torque vs angle of rotation. This means that at any angle, and in both directions, the torque is considered constant. Compared to a linear actuator connected to a linkage, which suffers from large torque loss at the extremities of angular output, the Torlite has very minimal torque loss.
The holding and driving forces of the Torlite are directly related to both the operating hydraulic pressure and the size of the hydraulic cylinder.
The speed of operation is directly related to the flow rate of the hydraulic oil. Typically, the Torlite is capable of operating similarly in speed to other comparable rotary output actuators.
The strength of the unit is derived from its design and build. Critical components of the Torlite actuator, the toroidal shaped rods, are manufactured from high quality material which undergo specific heat treatments.
The weight that the toroidal hydraulics can displace is dependant on the size of the cylinder and the hydraulic pressures in a particular application design. Multiple cylinders can be axially offset and used in union to create higher torque outputs.
Servicing of the unit would primarily involve replacing seals after a certain number of operation hours