Patent · US Expired

Variable reluctance actuators having improved constant force control and position-sensing features

US4656400A · kind A · utility

40Cited by
5References
7Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 8, 1985
Grant dateApr 7, 1987
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 8, 2005

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01F7/18
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A variable reluctance actuator, of either the linear or rotary type, having a moving element operated by a solenoid, is controlled by a Hall effect sensor signal representative of flux density in the magnetic circuit of the actuator. The actuator may be operated in either a constant-force control mode, or a position-sensing or control mode. Substantially constant force, independent of position of the actuator's movable element, is obtained by varying, rather than stabilizing, the sensed magnetic field during movement. Position sensing, independent of actuator force, is obtained by variably controlling the magnitude of the excitation current of the Hall effect sensor in response to the magnitude of the coil current and Hall sensor output.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.