Activity 4.3a – Fluid Power Components
Purpose
A hundred years ago water was the only fluid to be conveyed from point to point
through a pipe. Today’s industry could not function without all forms of fluid power.
There are four basic components involved, a tank to hold the fluid, the pump to drive
or pressurize the fluid, valves to control the flow, and actuators to convert the fluid
pressure to either lineal or rotational mechanical movement.
Equipment
PowerPoint®
Internet
Power Technology Trainers
Procedure
1. Students will divide into groups of four.
2. Students will conduct research on the four basic components of fluid systems.
3. Students will create a list of descriptors for each component.
4. Students will share lists with each other creating a large group of descriptors for
each category.
5. Each group of students will be assigned to create a presentation of a product of
their choice which uses fluid pressure.
6. Students will utilize either the hydraulic or pneumatic trainer to explain what is
happening in their system when it operates during the presentation.
Presentation should include
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Slides of their selected product.
Explanation of how their selected product functions.
Graphical flow diagram using schematics.
Explanation of the control elements used and why they were selected.
Advantages or disadvantages of their product.
Comparison of their product to the Power Technology Trainer
Conclusion
1. What is the major advantage of a hydraulic system over a pneumatic one?
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007
POE – Unit 4 – Activity 4.3a – Fluid Power Components – Page 1
2. Why would some industries select pneumatics over hydraulic?
3. What system does the Boeing 777 use to activate control surfaces?
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2007
POE – Unit 4 – Activity 4.3a – Fluid Power Components – Page 2