Inductive Actuator Voltage Control for Speed and Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for driving inductive actuators in motor vehicles, such as fuel injectors and pumps, are inefficient in energy consumption due to a constant voltage ratio increase, and are affected by tolerances and aging changes in the cable harness and magnet coil inductance, leading to inconsistent movement speeds and energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A method where the second voltage value applied to the magnet coil is dynamically selected based on the desired movement speed and the initial current value of the actuating element, allowing for a variable increase factor to match the specific conditions and correct for discrepancies caused by changes in resistance and inductance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a constant voltage ratio increase is used to increase movement speed, then the actuating element can be moved faster, but more energy is consumed than necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage ratio increase factor is made dynamic rather than constant. The control device determines the actual current at which the actuating element begins to move and calculates a specific increase factor based on this measured value and the desired movement speed. This allows the system to adapt the voltage increase to actual conditions, avoiding excessive energy consumption while achieving the required movement speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of voltage ratio increase from a fixed constant value to a variable value that depends on measured current and desired speed. By continuously adjusting the voltage increase factor based on actual operating conditions, the system optimizes the balance between movement speed and energy consumption.
2Speed
If voltage is increased to increase movement speed, then the actuating element moves faster, but the system becomes sensitive to tolerances and aging changes in cable harness and magnet coil
Solution Approach 1:
The control device measures the actual current at which the actuating element begins to move and uses this feedback information to determine the appropriate voltage ratio increase factor. This closed-loop approach compensates for variations in cable harness resistance and magnet coil inductance, ensuring consistent movement speed performance despite tolerances and aging changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a preliminary measurement of the current at which movement begins before executing the voltage increase. This preliminary action allows the system to characterize the actual electrical conditions and adjust subsequent voltage commands accordingly, compensating for component variations before they affect performance.
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 ensures the actuating element reaches its desired position on time, even with tolerances and aging changes, while minimizing energy consumption by optimizing the voltage increase factor for each movement speed.
Implementation Method 1
the magnet coil is first acted upon with a voltage having a first value in order to move the actuating element counter to a spring force
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic field is built up, through the use of which a force is exerted on the actuating element of the actuator
Implementation Method 3
move the actuating element counter to a spring force
Data Source
AI summary
A method for driving an inductive actuator having an actuating element and an actuator coil, includes initially acting on the actuator coil with a voltage having a first value in order to move the actuating element counter to a spring force and acting on the actuator coil with a voltage having a greater, second value at the beginning of the movement of the actuating element. The second voltage value is selected in dependence on how quickly the actuating element is intended to be moved.