Solenoid systems and methods for detecting length of travel

An apparatus, comprising:

• a memory;
• a hardware processor operatively coupled to the memory and configured to implement a feedback module at least partially stored in the memory and an output module at least partially stored in the memory,
• the feedback module configured to receive a feedback signal associated with a solenoid current after a voltage is removed from a solenoid, the feedback module configured to determine a time for the solenoid current to decay to a first current level from a time when the voltage is removed from the solenoid, and to determine, based upon the determined time for the solenoid current to decay, whether an actuator associated with the solenoid travelled a maximum distance prior to the voltage being removed from the solenoid,
• the output module configured to produce an output signal based on the determined time of decay of the solenoid current.

A method, comprising:

• receiving a feedback signal associated with a solenoid current after a voltage is removed from a solenoid;
• determining a decay time of the solenoid current in response to the feedback signal from a time when the voltage is removed from the solenoid, and determining, based upon the determined decay time, whether or not an actuator associated with the solenoid moves a maximum distance prior to the voltage being removed;
• and
• producing an output signal based on whether the actuator moved the maximum distance.

A non-transitory processor readable medium storing code representing instructions to be executed by a processor, the code comprising code to cause the processor to:

• receive a feedback signal associated with a solenoid current after a voltage is removed from a solenoid;
• determine a time for the solenoid current to decay in response to the feedback signal;
• based at least upon the determined time for the solenoid current to decay, determine whether an actuator associated with the solenoid moved a maximum distance during a time prior to the voltage being removed from the solenoid;
• produce an output signal based on the determined time;
• and
• cause a duration of a next activation period for the solenoid to increase if the actuator is determined to have moved less than the maximum distance.