Integrated Sensor for Servo-Actuator Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art servo actuation systems require separate sensor mounting, leading to additional leak paths and reduced accuracy due to the sensor not being directly coupled to the moving member, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An integrated sensor is incorporated into the actuator control valve system, directly coupled with the moving member, allowing for more accurate position sensing and eliminating additional leak paths by using a non-contact sensor aligned with the sensing core pin to report the position to the ECU.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a sensor is mounted separately from the servo control valve, then the assembly is easier to manufacture and assemble, but additional leak paths are created and measurement accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is integrated directly into the servo control valve assembly, specifically mounted on the valve body in direct proximity to the spool. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting while maintaining ease of manufacture through a unified assembly process. The integration ensures direct coupling to the moving member (spool) for accurate position sensing without creating additional leak paths that would result from separate mounting arrangements.
2Device complexity
If a sensor is mounted separately from the servo control valve, then component complexity is reduced, but the number of leak paths increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the sensor directly into the servo control valve assembly, the invention reduces the number of separate components and interfaces. The sensor is mounted on the valve body with its sensing element positioned adjacent to the spool, eliminating the need for separate sensor housings and connections that would create additional leak paths. This unified structure maintains manageable assembly complexity while eliminating harmful leak paths.
3Device complexity
If the sensor is not directly coupled to the moving member, then the assembly structure is simpler, but position sensing accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is positioned at a specific location on the servo control valve body where it can directly sense the position of the spool through a minimal interface. The sensing element is placed in direct proximity to the moving member (spool) to capture local position information with high accuracy. This localized sensing approach maintains simple assembly structure while achieving precise position measurement through optimal sensor placement.
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
The integrated sensor enhances the accuracy of position control, reduces assembly complexity and costs, and provides reliable feedback for performance mapping and diagnostics within the actuator control valve system.
Implementation Method 1
a noncontact sensor integral with servo-actuator and aligned with the first end of the rod coupled to the sensing core pin
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator control system including a servo-actuator comprising: at least one coil; a solenoid core within the at least one coil; a rod within the solenoid core having a first end, a second end, and a length extending between the first end and the second end, the first end coupled to a sensing core pin having a profile; a moveable member coupled to the second end of the rod; a moveable armature within the solenoid core surrounding a portion of the length of the rod and biased by a spring; and a noncontact sensor integral with servo-actuator and aligned with the first end of the rod coupled to the sensing core pin. A selected position of the servo-valve actuator may be set by the ECU by sensing the position of the sensing core pin using the non-contact sensor.