How to Automate your Trap door using an Actuator

Introduction to Trap Doors and how to Automate them

Trap doors have been used for centuries as a way to access hidden spaces. However, traditional trap doors can be heavy and difficult to open, especially in tight spaces. With the advent of electric linear actuators, automating a trap door has never been easier. In this white paper, we will discuss the benefits of using an electric linear actuator to automate a trap door, how to install the actuator, and the best positions to install the actuator for optimal performance.

I. Benefits of Automating a Trap Door

• Convenient and easy to open: Automating a trap door with an electric linear actuator makes it easy to access hidden spaces with the push of a button. This can be especially useful in tight spaces where it may be difficult to physically open a traditional trap door.
• Increased safety: Automated trap doors can be designed with safety features, such as automatic closing or locking, to prevent accidents and provide increased security.
• Aesthetically pleasing: Automated trap doors can be integrated into the surrounding environment in a way that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

II. Types of Trap Doors

• Hinged Trap Door: This type of trap door opens like a regular door and is often used in attics or basements.
• Lift Trap Door: This type of trap door lifts vertically to access hidden spaces and is commonly used in flooring systems.
• Sliding Trap Door: This type of trap door slides horizontally to reveal a hidden space and is often used in furniture or wall systems.

III. Best Positions to Install Electric Actuators in trap doors

The best position to install an electric linear actuator will depend on the type of trap door being used. However, there are a few general guidelines to follow when choosing a position for the actuator.

• Hinged Trap Door: For hinged trap doors, it is best to install the actuator in the center of the door to ensure balanced movement.
• Lift Trap Door: For lift trap doors, it is best to install the actuator at the top or bottom of the door for optimal lifting performance.
• Sliding Trap Door: For sliding trap doors, it is best to install the actuator at one end of the door to ensure smooth and controlled sliding.

Above you can see different methods to installing a Linear Actuator to a Trap door. There are pros and cons to each of these different methods. 

The trade-off of installing a linear actuator close to or further away from a pivot point is related to the force required to move the trap door and the torque that the actuator must generate to open and close it.

When the actuator is closer to the pivot point, it requires less stroke to move the object because it is acting over a shorter lever arm. However, this also means that the actuator must generate more torque in order to overcome the mechanical advantage provided by the lever arm. This is because torque is equal to force multiplied by the length of the lever arm.

Conversely, when the linear actuator is further away from the pivot point, it requires more stroke to move the object because it is acting over a longer lever arm. However, it also means that the actuator requires less torque in order to move the object, since the force is acting over a longer lever arm.

Mathematically, the relationship between force, torque, and lever arm can be represented as follows:

Torque = Force x Lever Arm

Where Lever Arm is the distance from the pivot point to the point where the force is applied.

So, if the actuator is closer to the pivot point, the lever arm is shorter and the required torque is higher. If the actuator is further away from the pivot point, the lever arm (actuator stroke) is longer but the required force is lower.

When deciding on the best position for the linear actuator, it is important to consider the total weight of the trap door being actuated and the available torque and force capabilities of the actuator. Choosing a position that is not too close to the pivot point may result in the actuator being unable to generate the necessary force, while choosing a position that is too far away may result in the actuator being unable to generate the necessary stroke to open all the way. The optimal position will depend on the specific application and the requirements of the system, and the stroke of the actuator you wish to use. 

Our Actuator calculator may be able to help in this situation. Click here to view it. or below. 

IV. Single or Double Electric Linear Actuators

There are two main options when it comes to automating a trap door with an electric linear actuator: a single actuator or two actuators.

• Single Actuator: Using a single actuator is a simple and cost-effective solution for automating a trap door. A single actuator can be used to lift, hinge, or slide a trap door, making it a versatile option.
• Double Actuators: Using two actuators provides increased stability and control for larger or heavier trap doors. By using two actuators, the weight of the door can be evenly distributed, reducing the risk of damage to the door or the actuator.

V. Installation of Electric Linear Actuators

The installation process for an electric linear actuator will vary depending on the type of trap door and the type of actuator being used. However, there are a few general steps to follow when installing an electric linear actuator:

• Determine the appropriate position for the actuator
• Secure the actuator in place using screws or brackets
• Connect the actuator to the power source
• Connect the actuator to the trap door mechanism
• Test the actuator to ensure proper operation

VI. Electrical Wiring of Electric Actuators

Electrical wiring of an electric linear actuator involves connecting the actuator to a power source and control system. This can be done using a variety of methods, including wired or wireless controls, and may require the use of additional components such as relays or limit switches.

• Wired Controls: Wired controls involve connecting the actuator directly to a switch or control system using electrical wires. This is a simple and reliable method for controlling the actuator.
• Wireless Controls: Wireless controls allow for remote operation of the actuator using a wireless control system. This can be useful for trap doors located in hard-to-reach areas or for applications where wired controls are not feasible.

VII. Size of Electric Linear Actuators

The size of the electric linear actuator required will depend on the weight of the trap door and the type of trap door mechanism being used. It is important to choose an actuator that is appropriately sized to ensure smooth and reliable operation.

•  Firgelli Automations offers a wide range of electric linear actuators in various sizes and load capacities to accommodate a variety of trap door applications.

VIII. Trade-Offs of Using a Single Electric Linear Actuator or Two Units

While using two actuators provides increased stability and control for larger or heavier trap doors, there are also some trade-offs to consider when deciding between a single or double actuator setup.

• Cost: Using two actuators will generally be more expensive than using a single actuator.
• Complexity: Installing and wiring two actuators can be more complex and time-consuming than using a single actuator.
• Power Requirements: Two actuators will require more power to operate than a single actuator.

Trap door Conclusions

Automating a trap door with an electric linear actuator provides a convenient, safe, and aesthetically pleasing solution for accessing hidden spaces. The best position to install the actuator, whether to use a single or double actuator, and the size of the actuator will depend on the type of trap door being used. When installing an electric linear actuator, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and to carefully consider the trade-offs of using a single or double actuator setup. Firgelli Automations offers a wide range of electric linear actuators to accommodate a variety of trap door applications.