US 8,522,821 B2 · Torque motor linearization

Abstract

A servovalve torque motor includes first and second pole pieces and an armature. Each of the first and second pole pieces includes an armature face that opposes the armature. The area of the armature face of the second pole piece is smaller than the area of the armature face of the first pole piece. The unequal areas of the first and second armature faces create a bias in the servovalve torque motor while allowing the first and second pole pieces to be disposed at equal distances from the armature to define substantially equal air gaps. The inclusion of substantially equal air gaps between the pole pieces and the armature reduces the maximum flux in the armature for the same bias and torque output, compared to conventional servovalve torque motors. The reduction in maximum armature flux decreases armature saturation and improves linearity during operation.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A torque motor, comprising:

a frame and magnet assembly having an armature pivotably coupled thereto;
a coil carried by the frame, the coil disposed at least partially about the armature;
a first pole piece carried by the frame, the first pole piece disposed in proximity to a first coil portion and the first pole piece having a first armature face that opposes a first armature portion, the first armature face defining a first pole piece area;
and
a second pole piece carried by the frame, the second pole piece opposing the first pole piece, the second pole piece disposed in proximity to a second coil portion, the second coil portion opposing the first coil portion, the second pole piece having a second armature face that opposes a second armature portion, the second armature face defining a second pole piece area, the second pole piece area being less than the first pole piece area of the first pole piece.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Torque motor linearization

Life of this patent

Torque motor linearization

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17