Aircraft Actuator Position Control Using a Motor Position Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
State-of-the-art actuator position control systems require redundant sensors, leading to higher costs and delayed data transfer times, which hinder efficient and dynamic control of electromechanical actuators.
Innovation Solution
Control and determine the actuator position using the motor position sensor, eliminating the need for redundant sensors by leveraging the direct relationship between the motor and actuator positions, and utilizing correction functions to account for factors like stiffness and backlash.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant sensors are used for actuator position control, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the actuator position sensing function from the dedicated actuator position sensor and relocates it to the motor position sensor. By taking out the redundant sensing function and placing it where it already exists (in the motor control), the system achieves the same reliability without the complexity of redundant sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor position sensor is made multi-functional by using it for both motor position control and actuator position determination. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate redundant sensors while maintaining control reliability, as the same sensor serves multiple purposes in the control system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If data transfer between higher-level controller and actuator control electronics is used, then control flexibility is improved, but data transfer time delays control speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuator position control function with the motor control function by implementing both in the same control unit (actuator control electronics). This combination eliminates the need for data transfer between separate controllers, removing the time delay while preserving control flexibility through integrated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator control electronics serves as an intermediary that directly accesses motor position data without requiring communication through the higher-level controller. This intermediate positioning of the control logic eliminates the communication bottleneck while maintaining the flexibility benefits of electronic control.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for controlling and/or determining a position of an actuator, in particular of an aircraft, wherein the actuator has a control unit, a motor and a motor position sensor for determining a position of the motor, wherein the control and/or determination of the position of the actuator is carried out by the control unit using the position of the motor and/or a sensor signal of the motor position sensor.