Universal Actuator Driver Control for Compact Infusion Pumps

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing infusion pump devices face challenges in accommodating different types of actuators due to the need for a sufficient number of general-purpose input/output terminals, leading to increased size and complexity, and often require dedicated controllers for specific actuators.

Innovation Solution

An extensible electromechanical actuator driver module that includes decoding logic to generate driver commands for various types of actuators, using a single input terminal and eliminating the need for additional enable signals, thereby supporting multiple actuator types within a compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple general-purpose input/output terminals are used to support different actuator types, then the device can accommodate various actuators, but the size and complexity of the microcontroller package increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator compatibilityVSAvoidmicrocontroller package size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal actuator control module that can control multiple types of actuators (stepper motors, brushless DC motors, brushed DC motors) using a single microcontroller package. The module uses a unified control interface with enable, direction, and pulse terminals that works across all actuator types through software configuration rather than hardware variations, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated controllers and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control module adapts to different actuator types by changing control parameters and software configuration rather than hardware architecture. The system uses configurable parameters such as step angles, motor constants, and control algorithms that can be adjusted through software to match the specific characteristics of each actuator type, allowing one hardware platform to serve multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If dedicated controllers are used for specific actuator types, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidnumber of controllers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal actuator control module that can control multiple types of actuators (stepper motors, brushless DC motors, brushed DC motors) using a single microcontroller package. The module uses a unified control interface with enable, direction, and pulse terminals that works across all actuator types through software configuration rather than hardware variations, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated controllers and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple input terminals are provided for different command signals, then the control flexibility is improved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoiddevice footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control module uses a unified set of input terminals (enable, direction, pulse) that serve multiple control functions across different actuator types. A single pulse terminal generates the appropriate drive signals for all motor types through software interpretation, and a single direction terminal controls rotation direction regardless of actuator type, significantly reducing the number of required I/O terminals while maintaining full control flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple control functions into a single terminal structure. The pulse terminal, for example, serves both as a speed control input and a position control input depending on the actuator type and configuration. The enable terminal consolidates multiple enable signals into one unified activation input, reducing the overall terminal count while preserving control flexibility through software-based function assignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4059134B1Devices and methods for controlling electromechanical actuators

Publication Date: 2025.08.13 MEDTRONIC MINIMED INC

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AI summary

Electromechanical actuation systems and related operating methods are provided. A method of controlling an electromechanical actuator in response to an input command signal at an input terminal involves determining a commanded actuation state value based on a characteristic of the input command signal, generating driver command signals based on the commanded actuation state value and an actuator type associated with the electromechanical actuator, and operating driver circuitry in accordance with the driver command signals to provide output signals at output terminals coupled to the electromechanical actuator.