Techniques for redundancy and fault tolerance in high demand machine safety applications
US7679299B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 2, 2007 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 3, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B9/02
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Self-sensing feedback functionality for electromechanical actuators/motors is provided for use in operation and/or as a redundant safety mechanism to attain safety certification without adding extra bulk or wiring to the motor. An actuator can be manufactured having one or more saliencies that cause a spatial variance of inductance. A high frequency signal can be injected into the actuator and sampled to determine a current, voltage, or other electrical parameter. The parameter can be evaluated against the known saliencies of the actuator to determine a position of the actuator and/or an associated rotor. Additionally, the position can be evaluated as a function of time to determine a velocity. This can provide an alternative method for operating the electromechanical actuator according to the position/velocity provided. Additionally, this can provide a redundant feedback channel for safety certification without requiring additional actuator parts.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.