Automatic characterization of an actuator based on capacitance measurement
US8587328B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 2010 |
| Grant date | Nov 19, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10N30/802
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for determining characterizing attributes of an actuator is provided. An actuator may be moved to a maximum capacitance position. At the maximum capacitance position, an initial measurement of the actuator capacitance is made. The actuator is moved a predetermined increment toward a first extreme position, and the actuator capacitance is again measured. If the capacitance changed by a threshold amount, the signal preceding the signal that caused the actuator to move is recorded as an approximate response curve end point, or the first extreme position. The actuator is again moved a predetermined increment toward a second extreme position. After each move, the capacitance is measured. If it is determined the capacitance did change by a threshold amount from the previously measured capacitance, the signal related to the previously measured capacitance is recorded as an approximate response curve end point, or the second extreme position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.