Electric Actuator Power Switch Heat Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric actuator devices experience reduced reliability and shortened service life due to excessive heat dissipation and damage during braking operations, as power switches concentrate heat energy, leading to premature wear.
Innovation Solution
The electric actuator device employs a control method where first and second power switches at upper and lower arm positions are alternately turned on during non-overlapping time periods, distributing heat energy and reducing long-term damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power switches at all upper arms or all lower arms are turned on to perform braking operation, then braking function is achieved, but heat energy is concentrated on specific power switches causing damage and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The power switch group is segmented into two separate groups: first power switches (upper arms) and second power switches (lower arms). During braking operation, these two groups are activated alternately in time-division manner rather than simultaneously, dividing the heat generation burden and preventing concentration of heat energy on a single group of switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking operation is implemented through periodic alternation between first power switches and second power switches. The control circuit switches between these two groups at regular intervals, creating a periodic action pattern that distributes heat generation over time and prevents sustained thermal concentration on any single group.
2Productivity
If power switches are turned on continuously for braking operation, then braking function is maintained, but service life of power switches is reduced due to long-term heat exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous braking function through periodic alternation between first and second power switch groups. Each group is activated for a predetermined time period, then switched off while the other group takes over, creating a continuous yet intermittent operation pattern that preserves braking effectiveness while reducing cumulative thermal stress on individual switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is designed to switch between power switch groups before excessive heat accumulation occurs. By alternately activating the first and second groups in advance, the system prevents any single group from experiencing prolonged heat exposure that would lead to premature failure.
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 approach extends the service life of power switches and enhances the reliability of the electric actuator device by evenly distributing heat energy during braking operations.
Implementation Method 1
the kinetic energy that needs to be consumed in the braking operation will be dissipated on the power switches in the form of heat energy
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic actuator device and a control method thereof are provided. The electronic actuator device includes a plurality of first and second power switches and a driving circuit. The first power switches respectively provide a first reference voltage to a plurality of voltage receiving ends of a motor respectively according to a plurality of first control signals. The second power switches respectively provide a second reference voltage to the voltage receiving ends respectively according to a plurality of second control signals. The driving circuit generates the first and second control signals. In a braking operation, the first power switches are turned on during a plurality of first time periods, and the second switches are turned on during a plurality of second time periods that are alternate and non-overlapped with the first time periods. An interval time period is present between each adjacent two of the first and second time periods.