Fluid actuated rotating device including a low power generator
AssigneeHoneywell International Inc.
InventorsCalvin C. Potter, David M. Eschborn
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fluid-powered actuator assembly is modified to include a low power generator. The low power generator rotates in response to a drive force received from the actuator assembly, and thus only generates electrical power when the actuator assembly is operating. The low power generator is used to supply electrical power to various sensors and circuits, which may be used to implement prognostic and health monitoring capabilities for the actuator assembly.
Claims12
An actuation control system, comprising:
- an actuation control circuit configured to supply one or more actuation control signals;
- a flow control device adapted to couple to a fluid power source, the flow control device further coupled to receive the actuation control signals and operable, in response thereto, to selectively supply a flow of fluid from the fluid power source;
- a fluid-powered actuator assembly coupled to receive the flow of fluid from the flow control device and configured, upon receipt thereof, to supply a drive force;
- a driven component coupled to receive at least a first portion of the drive force from the actuator assembly and configured, in response thereto, to move;
- and
- a generator coupled to receive at least a second portion the drive force from the actuator assembly and configured, in response thereto, to generate a voltage,
- wherein the second portion of the drive force is not supplied via the driven component.
A method of supplying electrical power from a fluid-powered actuator assembly configured to generate a drive force upon receipt of a flow of fluid, the method comprising the steps of:
- selectively supplying the flow of fluid to the fluid-powered actuator assembly, whereby the assembly generates the drive force;
- supplying a first portion of the generated drive force to a driven component, whereby the driven component moves in response thereto;
- and
- supplying a second portion of the generated drive force to a generator, whereby the generator supplies the electrical power,
- wherein the second portion of the generated drive force is not supplied via the driven component.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.