Piezo Driving Circuit Phase-Chopping Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piezo actuator driving technologies are costly and lack precision due to reliance on complex and expensive AC voltage sources for generating control signals, particularly in applications like metering valves for thin or pasty materials.
Innovation Solution
A piezo driving circuit that utilizes a standard AC power supply, incorporating a sync control circuit and inverter circuit to generate a control voltage with a predefined waveform and frequency, eliminating the need for costly AC voltage sources by fragmenting and re-assembling voltage signal portions based on phase position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard AC power supply is used as input signal, then cost is reduced, but waveform precision and control accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the AC power supply waveform into discrete segments using electronic switches. Each segment can be individually controlled and reassembled to create the desired output waveform. This allows precise control over the output waveform shape while using a simple AC power supply as input, resolving the contradiction between cost and waveform precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary device - the sync control circuit with electronic switches - that mediates between the simple AC power supply and the piezo actuator. This intermediary transforms the basic AC waveform into a precise control waveform through controlled switching, enabling both low cost and high precision simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If waveform generators with analogue switching circuitry are used, then waveform generation capability is provided, but distortion factor increases and precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces analogue switching circuitry with synchronous electronic switching controlled by a sync control circuit. This substitution eliminates the distortion and precision problems associated with analogue switching while maintaining waveform generation capability. The electronic switching occurs in synchronization with the input waveform, ensuring high accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If digital waveform generators with DDS are used, then accuracy is significantly improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function needed for piezo actuator control - synchronous waveform generation - from complex DDS systems. By using a sync control circuit that simply synchronizes switching with the AC power supply waveform, the patent achieves sufficient accuracy without the unnecessary complexity and cost of full DDS implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex digital waveform generators with a simple, inexpensive synchronous switching circuit. This cheaper alternative achieves the necessary control accuracy for piezo actuators without requiring the sophisticated and costly DDS architecture, effectively substituting a simple solution for a complex one.
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 solution provides a cost-effective and precise method for controlling piezo actuators, enabling accurate metering of materials by using standard voltage signals, reducing energy consumption, and allowing for flexible control of piezo actuators in parallel configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a certain voltage is applied to a piezo actuator and the inverse piezo effect results in a mechanical motion, namely a contraction or extension of the piezo actuator
Data Source
AI summary
The invention describes a piezo driving circuit, comprising an input at which a temporally variable voltage signal is applied; a piezo interface for connecting terminals of a piezo actuator arrangement with at least one voltage controlled piezo actuator; a sync control circuit realized to detect the phase position of the voltage signal; and an inverter circuit between the input and the piezo interface; whereby the sync control circuit is realized to control the inverter circuit, based on the phase position of the voltage signal, such that a control voltage with a predefined voltage curve is applied at the piezo interface. The invention further describes a method of controlling a piezo actuator arrangement. The invention also describes a piezo actuator configuration comprising a piezo actuator arrangement and an inventive piezo driving circuit. The invention also describes a metering valve comprising the inventive piezo actuator configuration.