Electric Actuator Driver for Retrofit Servo Feedback Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic prime mover controllers face significant challenges in being upgraded to electronic-based actuation due to the high cost and disruption required to accommodate modern electronic controllers, as they were designed for bi-directional hydraulic servo valves and specific feedback systems, making it expensive and invasive to replace or modernize the entire control system.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an electric actuator driver that includes input and output ports for analog electrical servo control and position feedback signals, a conversion circuit to determine electric motor coil control currents, and a feedback signal that emulates a variable displacement transformer signal, allowing for the retrofitting of electric actuators into hydraulic systems while maintaining backward compatibility and reducing the need for extensive modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire control system is replaced or modernized to accommodate modern electronic controllers, then electronic-based actuation can be achieved, but the cost and disruption become prohibitively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary conversion circuit is introduced between the existing hydraulic controller and the new electric actuator. This conversion circuit translates modern electronic control signals into the analog servo control signals that the legacy controller expects, enabling electronic actuation without replacing the entire control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution segments the modernization task into two parts: keeping the existing hydraulic controller intact while replacing only the actuator portion with an electric actuator and conversion circuit. This selective segmentation reduces overall system replacement cost and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire control system is replaced or modernized to accommodate modern electronic controllers, then electronic-based actuation can be achieved, but the disruption and time required become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion circuit is designed to be pre-configured with the necessary signal translation capabilities before installation. This preliminary preparation allows for quick integration with the existing controller, minimizing on-site installation time and disruption.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, an electric actuator driver that includes a first input port configured to receive an analog electrical servo control signal, a second input port configured to receive a position feedback signal, a first output port, a second output port, and a conversion circuit configured to determine one or more electric motor coil control current levels based on the analog electrical servo control signal and the position feedback signal, provide the one or more electric motor coil control currents based on the determined electric motor coil control current levels at the first output port, determine a feedback signal based on the analog electrical servo control signal, and provide the determined feedback signal at the second output port.