Methods and apparatus for distance sensing used in combination with a linear actuator

A system comprising:

• an actuator;
• a tool assembly mechanically coupled to the actuator;
• and
• a distance sensor mechanically coupled to the actuator and communicatively coupled to a controller, the distance sensor being configured to generate an output signal representative of a distance between the distance sensor and a location on a work surface and to provide the output signal to the controller;
• wherein the controller is configured to generate a control signal based upon the output signal and wherein the actuator is configured to move, in response to the control signal, the tool assembly to a desired position relative to the location on the work surface.

A system comprising:

• a moving coil linear actuator;
• a tool assembly mechanically coupled to the moving coil linear actuator;
• and
• a laser measurement sensor mechanically coupled to the actuator and communicatively coupled to a controller, the laser measurement sensor being configured to measure a distance from the laser measurement sensor to a work surface and to provide an output signal representative of the distance to the controller;
• wherein the controller is communicatively coupled to the moving coil linear actuator and to the laser measurement sensor, the controller being configured to provide a control signal to the moving coil linear actuator in response to the output signal.

A method for positioning a tool assembly coupled to an actuator in relation to a location on a work surface, the method comprising:

• positioning a distance sensor adjacent to a location on the work surface;
• sensing a distance from the location on the work surface to the distance sensor;
• providing a signal representative of the distance;
• comparing, based upon the signal, the distance to a predefined distance, adjusting a positioning routine based on the comparison;
• and
• moving, using the actuator and in accordance with the positioning routine, the tool assembly to a desired position relative to the location on the work surface.

A method for positioning a tool assembly of an actuator in relation to a location on a work surface, the method comprising:

• topographically mapping the work surface;
• generating map data representative of the location on the work surface, the map data including the position of the location on the work surface relative to an origin point;
• comparing predetermined information representative of the location on the work surface and the map data, the predetermined information including at least an x and a y position of the location on the work surface relative to the origin point;
• determining, based upon the comparing, an actuation position of the tool assembly corresponding to the location on the work surface;
• adjusting, based upon the determining, an actuation routine;
• and
• moving, using the actuator and in accordance with the actuation routine, the tool assembly to the actuation position.