Actuator Control Circuit Settling Time Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor-driven translation systems have poor settling characteristics due to drive signals that do not account for amplitude variations, resulting in long settling times for voice coil actuators.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit and method that determine the resonant frequency and ringing amplitude of an actuator's movement to generate a second drive signal, which includes using amplitude ratios and periods to optimize the actuator's oscillatory movement, thereby reducing settling time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If drive signals are generated using only resonant frequency, then the system is simple to implement, but the settling time is long due to not accounting for amplitude variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the drive signal by incorporating both resonant frequency and amplitude ratio information. The system determines the resonant frequency of the actuator and calculates an optimal amplitude ratio based on this frequency, then uses both parameters to generate the drive signal. This allows the actuator to reach its target position faster by optimizing both the frequency and amplitude characteristics of the drive signal, thereby reducing settling time while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
2Reliability
If step signals are used to activate movement and place the mechanical system at a desired position, then the actuator can reach the target position, but the settling characteristics are poor with long settling time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by generating drive signals that incorporate oscillatory components at the resonant frequency of the actuator. Instead of using simple step signals, the system creates periodic drive signals that exploit the natural resonant behavior of the actuator. By timing the periodic signals to match the resonant frequency and using the determined amplitude ratio, the system achieves both reliable positioning and reduced settling time, as the periodic action helps the actuator overcome inertia and reach the target position more efficiently.
3Device complexity
If drive signals do not account for amplitude variations, then the control system is simpler, but the settling characteristics are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by determining the resonant frequency of the actuator and using this information to calculate the optimal amplitude ratio for the drive signal. The system monitors the actuator's response and adjusts the drive signal parameters based on the determined resonant frequency. This feedback mechanism ensures that the drive signal is optimized for the specific actuator characteristics, improving settling characteristics and positioning reliability while keeping the control system complexity manageable through automated frequency determination and ratio calculation.
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
The solution significantly reduces the settling time of voice coil actuators by generating drive signals that account for amplitude variations, improving the overall efficiency and speed of mechanical system control.
Implementation Method 1
determining a resonant frequency and a ringing amplitude from a movement of the actuator... A second drive signal is determined from the resonant frequency and the ringing amplitude
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, an actuator control circuit includes a driver circuit connected to a ringing characteristic determination circuit. A signal generator that is configured to generate an output signal having first period that has first and second portions where the first portion longer than the second portion is connected to the ringing characteristic determination circuit. Another embodiment includes a method for controlling an actuator by determining a resonant frequency and a ringing amplitude of an actuator signal; generating a control signal in response to the resonant frequency and the ringing amplitude of the actuator signal; and causing the actuator to move in response to the second drive signal.