Actuator Emulator Using Adjustable Electrical Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for emulating actuator behavior, such as those using piezoelectric vibrators, fail to provide comprehensive data necessary for developing actuators, particularly piezoelectric actuators, due to limitations in simulating non-linear effects and production tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize an electric network connected to a second actuator via a control unit, allowing for the emulation of impedance and movement of the first actuator, using sensors and adjustable capacitance, inductance, and resistance to simulate the behavior of the first actuator, including piezoelectric, combustion, and electromotor actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If analytic modeling or FEM simulation is used to predict actuator behavior, then parameter variations can be performed easily, but non-linear effects of piezoceramics and production tolerances cannot be simulated accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a physical copy (emulator) of the actuator's electrical characteristics using an electric network with adjustable components. This emulator replicates the impedance behavior of the actual actuator, allowing physical testing without requiring the actual actuator or relying solely on imperfect simulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses adjustable electrical components (capacitors, inductors, resistors) in the emulator to change electrical parameters dynamically. This allows the emulator to adapt to different actuator configurations and operating conditions, accurately reflecting non-linear effects that static simulations cannot capture.
2Reliability
If prototypes are tested in reality to validate assumptions, then practical behavior can be observed, but production tolerances and material variations cannot be completely detected and costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The emulator creates a simplified physical model that copies the essential electrical characteristics of the actuator. This allows comprehensive testing of electrical behavior, control strategies, and interface compatibility without building and testing multiple physical actuator prototypes, significantly reducing costs while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The emulator serves multiple functions: it can simulate different actuator types, test various control strategies, validate electrical interfaces, and assess power consumption characteristics. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple separate prototype testing campaigns.
3Productivity
If only a few actuators are simulated, assembled and measured due to cost and time reasons, then development costs are controlled, but comprehensive data for development cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The emulator enables virtual testing of numerous actuator configurations and operating conditions without physical constraints. Researchers can systematically vary parameters, test edge cases, and gather comprehensive data that would be prohibitively expensive or time-consuming to obtain through physical prototyping alone.
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
Enables comprehensive and cost-efficient prediction of actuator behavior, overcoming limitations of existing simulation methods by incorporating actual mechanical and electrical components to simulate non-linear effects and production tolerances, thereby simplifying the development of actuators.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first parameter of the electric network may be changed by the first control unit
Implementation Method 2
using sensors and adjustable capacitance, inductance, and resistance to simulate the behavior of the first actuator
Implementation Method 3
using sensors and adjustable capacitance, inductance, and resistance to simulate the behavior of the first actuator
Implementation Method 4
using sensors and adjustable capacitance, inductance, and resistance to simulate the behavior of the first actuator
Implementation Method 5
A device and method that utilize an electric network connected to a second actuator via a control unit, allowing for the emulation of impedance and movement of the first actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A device for emulating at least one first actuator has at least one electric network connected to at least one control electronic circuit. The electric network is operatively connected to at least one second actuator by at least one first control and/or regulating unit. At least one first parameter of the electric network can be changed by the first control so that the technical characteristics of the emulation device match those of a device that is to be emulated.