Method and apparatus for optimum drive signal control of an electromagnetically-activated actuator
US10060399B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 22, 2016 |
| Grant date | Aug 28, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 9, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02D2041/2072
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electromagnetically-activated actuator includes an electrical coil, an armature moveable between rest and actuated positions, and a bi-directional driver. A method for controlling an actuator event includes applying a supply voltage at a first polarity across the coil for a first duration to drive a forward current through the coil effective to move the armature away from the rest position. The forward current has a forward current peak at the end of the first duration. After the first duration, the supply voltage is applied at a second polarity across the coil for a second duration to drive a reverse current through the coil. The second duration terminates when the reverse current attains a predetermined reverse current peak, wherein the predetermined reverse current peak is coincident with the armature returning to the rest position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.