What Is a Pusher?
A pusher is a mechanical device designed to exert a pushing force on objects. This device is particularly beneficial in situations where human strength is insufficient for moving heavy items or when precise and consistent pressure application is necessary.
Pushers are integral to automated processes, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in various industries by mechanically executing programmed movements. However, their operation requires skilled personnel to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Uses of Pushers
Pushers find their application in numerous settings:
1. Automated Equipment
In automated manufacturing lines, pushers accurately position parts during assembly, crucial in industries like automobile manufacturing for precision-oriented tasks.
2. Door Mechanisms
They play a vital role in the automatic opening and closing systems of doors and elevators, responding to sensor inputs to operate the doors.
3. Construction Equipment
On construction sites, pushers, mounted on heavy machinery like bulldozers, move materials and level terrain, surpassing the efficiency achievable by manual labor.
4. Gaming Machines
In amusement facilities, pushers are used in coin pusher games to nudge coins and prizes, adding an element of challenge and excitement to the game.
Principle of Pushers
The fundamental principle of pushers lies in their ability to apply mechanical force, sourced from electricity, hydraulics, pneumatics, or manually. This force is transmitted to an operating component, such as a link, piston, rod, or plate, which directly interacts with the object to be moved.
Various pusher designs exist, such as hydraulic pushers that use cylinders to amplify force, and electric pushers that employ motors or gear mechanisms for force transmission.
How to Select Pushers
Selection of a suitable pusher involves:
1. Defining the application: Different pushers suit different tasks, from manufacturing line operations to construction site activities.
2. Considering capacity: Choose a pusher that can handle the size, shape, and weight of the object without exceeding its capabilities.
3. Power source: Select a power source (electricity, pneumatics, etc.) that aligns with the operating environment and work requirements.