Electronic valve actuator with predictive self-calibrating torque controller
US10920899B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 19, 2018 |
| Grant date | Feb 16, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 12, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B13/026
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electronic controller of a valve actuator predictively calculates motor inputs that will cause the actuator to apply desired forces or torques to a valve. A force/torque sensor of the actuator measures applied force or torque at the motor output and/or valve to verify the applied force or torque and enable updating of calibration settings as needed. Upon failure of the force/torque sensor, embodiments continue predictive operation without sensor verification or calibration updates. Upon failure of the predictive control, embodiments continue valve actuation under reactive control via the force/torque sensor. Connection to a calibration valve simulator enables embodiments to perform an initial self-calibration using the force/torque sensor of the actuator. The motor can be a variable frequency driven AC motor or a DC motor. The calibration can incorporate mechanical properties of an actuator gear train.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.