A servomechanism is a term used in mechanics that refers to the set of electronic, mechanical and even in certain cases hydraulic and pneumatic parts that work in a coordinated way for a specific purpose.
This electromechanical system regulates itself when detecting a mismatch or error between its own real and ideal performance.
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The servomechanism is a masculine noun related to mechanics. It is sometimes used in robots, even being part of mobile or fixed mechanisms. The word comes from Latin, where "servo" derives from servus (servant, slave or servant), to which is added a suffix referring to the mechanisms or auxiliary systems with which it is in solidarity.
Although we mentioned that it is related to mechanics, a servo mechanism can also be used in robotics and cybernetics. According to the Royal Spanish Academy, a servomechanism is an electromechanical system that regulates itself by detecting the error or the difference between its own actual and desired performance.
Another definition for servomechanism is any feedback control system in which one or more of the signals involves a mechanical effect.
Origin
The first servomechanisms could be located in the 19th century. Throughout that century, temperature regulators were developed (example, Ure in 1830), and others that controlled the flow of water (especially those designed by Woodward in 1870).
In this case, a centrifugal controller was used only to actuate a clutch that governed the passage from power to intake. In other words, the sensor and motor were located on the one hand, and the power amplifier on the other, thus creating the structure that we know today as servomechanisms.
characteristics
A servomechanism is based on the following characteristics:
- Artificial: it was built by man and is not something that has emerged from nature.
- Sensory: can perceive the environment around him.
- Controlled: it is governed by a computer.
- Actuator: it is capable of performing movements by itself.
Synonyms
It is very common to read or hear that a servo is referred to by just the word "servo." With it, it is already understood that what follows has this type of assistance.
Antonyms
There are no words that directly mean the opposite of servomechanism. In any case, they would be less complex or older systems, but it does not mean that they are the opposite of this term.
Usage examples
It is a widely used mechanism in automotive mechanics, for example in the hydraulic or electric steering of a steering wheel. For example, the so-called «emergency brake booster» (a safety device that modern cars have) is a system that compensates for the lack of sufficient pressure on the brake pedal in the event of a total stop to be able to reach the optimum braking capacity of the vehicle. vehicle.
For their part, servo motors are mechanical actuators made up of a motor and a group of gears that increase torque (that is, force). In turn, they have elements that constantly control the position of a mechanical item that acts as a link with the outside world.
A clear example of this system is the servo motor of a printer, composed of a motor plus the paper advance and reverse controls.
In addition, although we mentioned that they are widely used in robotics, the areas where it is used are many, such as model aircraft, the zoom of a camera or the automatic doors of an elevator.
References
- Servomechanism (201). Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy. Recovered from: dle.rae.es
- Charles A. Schuler. (2002). "Electronics, principles and applications". Recovered from: books.google.it
- Marco Aurelio Denegri. (2018). "Servomechanism". Recovered from: elcomercio.pe
- Industrial Revolution. Recovered from: automata.unizar.es