Method for precise electric actuator control with reduced repositioning

A method for controlling an actuator so as to reduce the frequency of actuator repositions, thus extending the life of the actuator, the method comprising the steps of:

• selecting a threshold position command differential value;
• receiving an actuator actual position signal;
• receiving a position command signal;
• determining an actual differential value between the actuator actual position signal and the position command signal;
• if the actual differential value exceeds the threshold differential value repositioning the actuator according to the position command signal;
• and
• if the actual differential value does not exceed the threshold differential value:
• repeating the steps of receiving a position command signal and determining an actual differential value;
• aggregating the actual differential values so as to determine an aggregated differential value since the actuator was last repositioned;
• and
• repositioning the actuator if the aggregated differential value exceeds the threshold differential value.

A method for controlling an actuator so as to reduce the frequency of actuator repositions, thus extending the life of the actuator, the method comprising the steps of:

• designating a threshold position command differential value;
• designating a minimum reposition interval;
• receiving an actuator actual position signal;
• receiving a first position command signal;
• determining a first differential value between the actuator actual position signal and the first position command signal;
• after the minimum reposition interval, receiving a second position command signal;
• determining a second differential value between the actuator actual position signal and the second position command signal;
• determining a total differential value by aggregating the first differential value and the second differential value;
• and
• if the total differential value exceeds the threshold differential value, repositioning the actuator according to the second position command signal.