Solenoid systems and methods for detecting length of travel
US9753443B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 17, 2015 |
| Grant date | Sep 5, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 17, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF04B17/042
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a solenoid and a solenoid controller. The solenoid is configured to move an actuator a distance between a first position and a second position when a voltage is supplied to the solenoid. The solenoid controller is implemented in at least one of a memory or a processor, and includes a feedback module and an output module. The feedback module is configured to receive a feedback signal associated with a solenoid current after the voltage is removed from the solenoid. The feedback module is further configured to determine whether the distance is less than a maximum distance between the first position and the second position (i.e., a “stroke”). The output module configured to produce an output signal when the feedback module determines that the distance is less than the maximum distance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.