Utilizing feedback for control of switch actuators
OwnerHeath Elliot Kounsinventor
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Abstract
A varying signal, which may be a feedback signal, is combined with a control signal to control the actuators (117 and 119) of a switch. The method compensates for varying temperature conditions as well as variations in the manufacturing process of the actuators (117 and 119) and a member (101) of the switch that is attached to the actuators (117 and 119), which member (101) changes positions to change the state of the switch. The varying signal, in combination with the control signal, determines a pulse width, during which time energy is applied to the actuators (117 and 119).
Claims38
An apparatus comprising:
- a device that generates a varying signal relative to a deflection of a member between a first position and a second position of the member;
- a combiner for combining the varying signal with a control signal, thereby yielding a pulse signal;
- an output device that provides the pulse signal to an actuator such that the pulse signal changes the member from the first position to the second position.
An apparatus comprising:
- a device comprising at least two sensors that are operably coupled to a member, which feedback device outputs a varying signal;
- a comparator, operably coupled to the device and arranged and constructed to compare the varying signal and a reference voltage, thereby yielding a status signal;
- a logic device, operably coupled to the comparator and arranged and constructed to output a pulse signal while the status signal and a control signal are logically different, thereby yielding a pulse signal;
- an output device that provides the pulse signal to an actuator such that the pulse signal changes the member from a first position to a second position.
A method comprising the steps of:
- providing a varying signal that reflects at least one difference between at least two sensors associated with a member of a switch;
- combining the varying signal with a control signal, thereby yielding a pulse signal;
- applying the pulse signal to an actuator that generates force to change the member from a first position to a second position of the switch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.