Linear actuator with position indicator
AssigneeHoneywell International Inc.
InventorsJoel Stolfus, Anthony J. Bussan, Kyle Vinnedge, Jeffrey Bouray
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Abstract
A linear actuator comprising a first assembly, a second assembly, and a magnetic sensor. The second assembly is linearly movable with respect to the first assembly such that the linear actuator is configured so as to be in one of a plurality of linear positions. The first assembly and the second assembly cooperatively define a magnetic pathway. The magnetic pathway is configured to vary in length with linear movement of the first assembly with respect to the second assembly. The magnetic sensor is configured to output a signal indicative of the magnetic field flux routed via the magnetic pathway.
Claims20
A linear actuator comprising:
- a first assembly;
- a second assembly, wherein the second assembly is linearly movable with respect to the first assembly such that the linear actuator is configured so as to be in one of a plurality of linear positions, wherein the first assembly and the second assembly cooperatively define a magnetic pathway, wherein the magnetic pathway is configured to vary in length with linear movement of the first assembly with respect to the second assembly;
- and
- a magnetic sensor, wherein the magnetic sensor is configured to output a signal indicative of the magnetic field flux routed via the magnetic pathway.
A method of using a linear actuator, the method comprising:
- operating the linear actuator, wherein, when operated, a magnetic pathway within the linear actuator varies in length;
- detecting a magnitude of magnetic field flux routed via the magnetic pathway;
- and
- correlating the detected magnitude of magnetic field flux to a linear position of the linear actuator.
A linear actuator comprising:
- a magnetic pathway within the linear actuator, wherein the magnetic pathway is configured to vary in length dependent upon a linear position of the linear actuator;
- and
- a magnetic sensor, wherein the magnetic sensor is configured to output a signal indicative of the magnetic field flux routed via the magnetic pathway.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.