Actuator device having cam and follower and controller configured to employ rate-based methodology to identify positioning of follower on cam at predetermined location

A method comprising:

• providing an actuator assembly having a controller, wherein the controller coupled to a first sensor and a second sensor, and receives a first sensor signal and a second sensor signal, a cam and follower assembly and an output member, the cam and follower assembly comprising a cam and a follower, the cam being rotatable about a cam axis and defining a cam profile having a first cam surface, a second cam surface and a lift portion that connects the first and second cam surfaces, the follower being engaged to the cam profile, the cam and follower assembly being coupled to the output member, wherein the output member is positioned at a first axial position along an output member axis when the follower is disposed on the first cam surface, and wherein the output member is positioned at a second axial position along the output member axis when the follower is disposed on the second cam surface, the second axial position being offset from the first axial position along the output member axis, wherein the output member axis is co-extensive with the cam axis;
• rotating the cam in a first rotational direction to drive the follower relative to the cam along the lift portion toward the second cam surface;
• detecting, using the first sensor, a rotational position of the cam about the cam axis;
• generating, using the first sensor, the first sensor signal indicative of the rotation position of the cam about the cam axis;
• detecting, using the second sensor, a linear position of the output member along the output member axis;
• generating, using the second sensor, the second sensor signal indicative of the linear position of the output member along the output member axis based on only a rate of change of axial movement of the output member;
• and
• based on the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal, identifying the position of the follower on the lift portion at a predetermined point as the follower is moved relative to the cam along the lift portion, during rotational movement of the cam, toward the second cam surface based on a rate of change in the position of the output member along the output member axis as a function of the rotational position of the cam about the cam axis.