Automating Your Home with Linear Actuators: A Guide to Modern Living

In the rapidly evolving landscape of smart home technology, enhancing home efficiency with linear actuators represents a cutting-edge approach to modern living. These compact and versatile devices transform electrical energy into motion, allowing for the precise control of various elements within your household. From smoothly sliding doors to adjustable furniture and beyond, linear actuators introduce a level of convenience, accessibility, and customization that was once the stuff of science fiction.

This guide will explore how incorporating linear actuators into your home automation projects can elevate your living environment, making everyday tasks simpler and enhancing the overall quality of life. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or new to the world of home automation, understanding the potential of linear actuators opens the door to innovative possibilities and a more efficient, personalized home.

Innovative Home Automation Projects

The video below shows several ways to incorporate linear actuators into your DIY automated furniture and their practical applications in living spaces. We will go through each project shown in detail describing which Progressive Automations units and accessories we recommend. You can follow our recommendation or opt for a different unit based on your requirement.

Reclining Couch

Automatically reclining couches are becoming very popular in the furniture market. Many customers have asked how they can add this setup with the furniture they currently have. If you have a couch that manually reclines this may be a viable option. You can add one of our electric actuators underneath your reclining couch and with a wired remote control the extending or retracting of your couch.

Products

• 1 x Linear Actuators (PA-03)

Stroke 1" - 12" depending on where you need to mount the unit and how much stroke length is required to fully recline your count and fully retract it. Forces recommended are our 200 lbs force PA-03 actuator, this will recline at a good rate and will ensure that regardless of the person sitting on the couch it will have sufficient force to recline.

• 1 x control box
• 2 x mounting brackets (BRK-02)

Automatic Entertainment System Cabinets

Have your cabinets open and close automatically and wirelessly! This is the ultimate addition to your entertainment system. For this automation project, you will require two electric actuators to work in sync with each other. This type of setup is a little tricky, as you don't want anyone to see where the actuators are attached. Not much force is required for these types of setups so our mini linear actuators will suffice.

Products

• 2 x Mini Linear Actuators (PA-14)

The usual stroke length required for this project is 6" - 12"; however, you should remember that the stroke length will be per side not the total.

• 4 x Mounting Brackets (BRK-14)
• 1 x Wireless control box
• 2 x 4 pin connector (AC-04)

Lift-up Cabinets

This is a simple project to set up and assemble but gives your cabinet a sleek look and allows you to wirelessly expose what you have hidden behind your drawers. Using our linear actuators, you will be able to wirelessly control your cabinets and, because the same exact motion and pressure are used every time, it will also prolong the life of your drawers.

Products

• 2 x Mini Linear Actuators (PA-14)

Usually, 4" - 12" actuators are required for such types of projects. We strongly recommend that you always check the extended and retracted actuators’ length on our website to confirm you will have enough room for the actuators.

• 1 x Wireless Control box
• 4 x Mounting Brackets (BRK-14)
• 2 x 4 Pin Connector (AC-04)

Hidden Spice Rack

Hidden spice racks are popular in many new kitchens as they are great space savers and make it easy to keep all your spices tucked away and hidden in the same place. To automate your spice rack with linear actuators, all you need to do is to cut out the space for your spice rack and make sure you have enough room underneath to hold your rack as well as the actuator. Using the track linear actuator, you would connect the bottom of the spice rack to the moving block of the actuator. This will allow you to move the spice rack up and down and conserve space beneath the spice rack.

Products

• 1 x Track Linear Actuator (PA-18)

The 6" - 10" actuator usually works best for this application, but don’t forget to double check your measurements and refer to the PA-18 user manual to make sure this product is what you need.

• 1 x wireless control box
• 1 x mounting bracket (BRK-02)

Kitchen Cabinet Drop

In this project, we show the entire cabinet lowering to two feet. This allows people in wheelchairs or people who can't reach the top shelves without assistance to be able to reach all the cabinets and shelves with ease. This project is much easier to implement in new homes as you can have the cabinet separated in the implementation process. This can also be added to current homes; just a little extra work is required. You will need to separate the part of the cabinet that you wish to lower from the rest of the cabinet. Using two actuators and our wireless simultaneous control box you will be able to drop the cabinet to your desired height.

Products

• 2 x Linear Actuators (PA-03)

Based on our experience, a 20" to 24" actuator will be the best fit for this project.

• 4 x mounting brackets (BRK-02)
• 1 x wireless control box

Table Extender

This project is designed for more advanced users, but you can still accomplish it with a simpler table. Most tables used are ones in which the table is extended, and a single extension piece is added into the middle. For this project, you will need multiple actuators doing separate functions. One actuator is required to operate the table while the other is needed to pull up the extension from underneath. Please note that not all tables will work with this type of automated project.

Products

• 2 x Linear Actuators (PA-03)
• 4 x Mounting Brackets (BRK-02)
• 1 x non-simultaneous wireless control box (PA-28)

All the above information was obtained from the most common type of similar applications. Depending on your design you might require different actuator models, quantity, and accessories. You can always contact our engineers to obtain additional help with your project.

DIY Hidden TV Cabinet with Linear Actuators

One of our customers recently completed an impressive DIY hidden TV cabinet project using a compact high-speed linear actuator. This hidden compartment efficiently holds his DVD player and cable box, seamlessly integrating into his home entertainment setup.

The project showcases how linear actuators in home projects can transform space-saving furniture ideas.  An automated TV lift system like this would be incomplete without a reliable motorized TV lift mechanism. For control, the customer used the PA-31 wireless remote and the AC-14 12V DC power adapter.

Selecting Actuators for Home Automation

In the realm of home automation, selecting the right linear actuators is a pivotal decision that can significantly influence the efficiency, reliability, and functionality of your projects. Linear actuators, devices that convert electrical energy into straight-line motion, are the muscles behind automated systems, pushing or pulling elements of your home to achieve desired actions.

Here are some tips for choosing the right actuator.

When choosing actuators, first consider the load requirement of your application. Actuators come with varying force capacities, so it's essential to select one that can handle the weight of the object being moved without overburdening the system. Additionally, assess the speed requirement; a faster actuator might be necessary for applications like automated door openers where speed enhances convenience, while slower actuators might suffice for window opening mechanisms where safety and noise control are more critical.

Stroke length is another crucial factor; it refers to how far the actuator extends and should match the distance you need the object to move. Ensure the chosen actuator’s stroke length slightly exceeds your requirement to avoid overextension and potential damage. Power supply compatibility is also key; make sure the actuator’s voltage and current requirements align with your home automation system’s power supply to ensure seamless integration. Durability and build quality cannot be overlooked, particularly for outdoor or heavy-duty applications; look for actuators with high IP ratings if they will be exposed to elements like water or dust.

Lastly, consider the control method. Actuators can be operated via various control systems ranging from simple switches to complex programmable logic controllers (PLCs) integrated into a smart home ecosystem. Selecting an actuator with compatibility to your desired control system is vital for achieving the automation you envision. By meticulously assessing these factors—load capacity, speed, stroke length, power supply, durability, and control method—home automation enthusiasts can select linear actuators that not only meet the technical requirements of their projects but also enhance the convenience, safety, and comfort of their living spaces.

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