Actuator Position Tracking via Encoder on Spindle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators with quick release mechanisms lose position determination when the quick release is activated, requiring system reset and inability to determine position without returning to an end position.
Innovation Solution
Connecting position determination means, such as magnetic or optical encoders, directly or indirectly to the spindle or transmission between the quick release and spindle, ensuring continuous position determination of the activation element regardless of coupling status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick release mechanism is used to allow temporary release of the activation element for manual setting, then ease of operation is improved, but position determination is lost requiring system reset
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission is divided into two separate components: a first component (spindle) connected to the motor and a second component (worm wheel) connected to the activation element. The quick release mechanism allows disconnection between these two components. A magnetic encoder is attached to the first component to continuously track its position even when disconnected from the second component, preserving position information during quick release operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic encoder serves as an intermediary measurement device that indirectly tracks the position of the activation element by measuring the position of the spindle. This intermediary measurement system continues to function during quick release when the direct mechanical connection is broken, maintaining position determination capability.
2Measurement precision
If position determination is based on counting spindle revolutions, then measurement capability is achieved, but position information is lost when the spindle is disconnected during quick release
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic encoder continuously measures and stores position information of the spindle in advance, even before a quick release event occurs. This preliminary measurement ensures that position data is already recorded and can be retrieved immediately after disconnection, maintaining measurement precision and reliability without loss of information.
3Reliability
If the actuator is reset by driving to an outer position after quick release, then position determination is restored, but loss of time occurs due to the reset process
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic encoder creates a copy of the position information from the spindle that can be independently read and stored in memory. This copied position data allows the system to immediately know the activation element's position after quick release without needing to physically move the actuator to reset the measurement system, eliminating the time-consuming reset process while maintaining reliable position determination.
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 continuous monitoring of the activation element's position using known sensors like Hall-elements or potentiometers, allowing position determination even after quick release activation without resetting to an end position, enhancing operational flexibility and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic encoder comprises a magnetic ring with a number of poles which activate a read-switch or Hall-element each time one of the poles passes the switch, thereby producing an electrical signal.
Implementation Method 2
An optical encoder works in the same way using a rotating disc with perforations and a light source. When a perforation passes the light source, light passes through to a photocell producing an electrical signal.
Data Source
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AI summary
Actuator comprising of a quick release unit and a means for determining the position of an activation element. With the quick release unit it is possible to release the activation element from the actuator's electric motor and the transmission or, at least part of it, to make a rapid adjustment to the activation element without the motor and transmission. The means typically used for determining the position of the activation element comprises of a potentiometer, an optical or magnetic encoder indirectly driven by the motor. By connecting the instrument for position determination (33) to the spindle (2) or the part of the transmission between the quick release and the spindle (2), the position of the activation element remains known regardless of whether it is released or connected, or has been released.