Actuator Breakaway Function via Voltage Increase
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators in motor vehicles often require complex controllers to overcome jamming issues, which complicates the implementation of a reliable breakaway function to restore normal operation.
Innovation Solution
An actuator with a control device that increases the electrical voltage supply when the tear-off function is activated, utilizing a displacement sensor to detect malfunctions and activate the breakaway function by temporarily increasing the force or torque to overcome frictional forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a breakaway function is provided by changing the duty cycle or amplitude of the control signal, then the actuator can overcome jamming, but the controller becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by temporarily increasing the electrical supply voltage to the actuator motor when a malfunction is detected. This voltage increase directly changes the operational parameters of the actuator, generating sufficient force to overcome static friction and release jamming without requiring complex controller modifications. The control device simply adjusts the voltage parameter rather than implementing complex duty cycle or amplitude modulation schemes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the voltage increase function from the control device, which is already present in the actuator system. Rather than adding complex control logic to manage duty cycles or signal amplitudes, the solution utilizes the existing power supply capability of the control device to directly increase voltage when needed. This extraction approach simplifies the overall controller architecture while maintaining the breakaway function.
2Reliability
If the supply voltage is increased to overcome static friction, then the actuator can be released from jamming, but the force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by applying the increased voltage only temporarily and only when a malfunction is detected. The control device monitors the actuator operation and activates the voltage increase in periodic intervals as needed to overcome jamming, rather than maintaining continuously high force. This allows the actuator to operate normally at lower force levels most of the time while having the capability to exert high force periodically when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device performs preliminary action by detecting malfunctions before they result in complete actuator failure. When the displacement sensor indicates abnormal positioning, the control device proactively increases the voltage to prevent the jamming from worsening, rather than waiting for the actuator to fully seize up. This preliminary intervention reduces the peak force required compared to overcoming fully developed jamming.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for a simpler and more effective implementation of the tear-off function, enabling the actuator to overcome jamming issues with minimal complexity, ensuring safe and reliable operation over the actuator's service life.
Implementation Method 1
an electromechanical drive that generates an electromagnetic field that exerts a force on a movable or adjustable component
Implementation Method 2
a temporary increase in the supply voltage of the actuator causes an increase in the force or torque exerted
Implementation Method 3
The position of the actuator or a movable component of the actuator can be detected by means of the displacement sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an actuator (1) which is designed for converting an electronic signal into mechanical movement, comprising a break-away function for removing a malfunction such as jamming, wherein a means is provided, in order to supply the actuator (1) with an increased electric voltage when the break-away function is activated.