Actuator Position Sensor Power via Motor Control Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator systems require complex separate supply lines for the position sensors, which is inefficient, especially when using non-ratiometric output signals or digital signal transmission, as they need a separate 5 V supply voltage, complicating the arrangement.
Innovation Solution
The actuator system utilizes the motor control line to supply electrical energy to the position sensor through a rectifier circuit with a series resistor and storage capacitor, eliminating the need for separate supply lines by generating a filtered DC voltage, and shares a common ground for motor control and signal evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate supply lines are arranged for the position sensor, then the position sensor can be reliably powered, but the actuator structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the position sensor power supply function with the existing motor control lines. The control lines that already carry motor control signals are also used to supply power to the position sensor, eliminating the need for separate supply lines and reducing structural complexity while maintaining reliable power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor control lines are given dual functionality: they serve both as control signal lines for the motor and as power supply lines for the position sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of lines required and simplifies the overall actuator structure without compromising the reliability of position sensor operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-ratiometric output signals are used for position detection, then the output signals become independent of supply voltage, but separate supply lines are still required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply function into the existing control line infrastructure. Even though non-ratiometric signals provide voltage independence, the position sensor still requires power, which is now delivered through the same control lines used for motor control, eliminating separate supply line arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The control lines serve themselves by providing both control signals and power to the position sensor. The system uses its existing infrastructure (control lines) to fulfill an additional function (power supply), rather than requiring external separate supply lines.
3Measurement precision
If digital signal transmission is implemented, then position data can be transmitted accurately, but separate supply lines are needed for the position sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines digital position signal transmission with power delivery over the same control line infrastructure. The control lines carry both the digital position data and the electrical power needed by the position sensor, eliminating separate supply lines while maintaining accurate position measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The control lines are designed with universal functionality to handle both digital signal transmission and power supply for the position sensor. This multi-functional approach enables accurate position detection through digital signals while simultaneously providing the necessary power without additional wiring.
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 configuration simplifies the actuator structure by eliminating separate supply lines and maintains non-ratiometric output signals independent of the supply voltage, reducing complexity and enhancing reliability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one motor terminal provides a positive pulsed voltage at periodic intervals by means of a rectifier circuit with a series resistor and storage capacitor downstream of the motor terminal tap
Implementation Method 2
rectifier circuit with a series resistor and storage capacitor downstream of the motor terminal tap
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
Described is an actuator having an electric motor controlled by a control unit and having an active electronic position sensor for detecting the actuator position. The actuator is characterized in that the electrical energy for the operation of the position sensor is drawn from the control unit via the motor connections of the control line of the motor. In this way, separate supply lines for the position sensor are not needed.