SPRING RETURN ACTUATOR FOR A DAMPER

摘要

An actuator including an electric motor driven by a drive circuit powered by a power source, and a load coupled to the electric motor. The actuator further includes a spring biasing the load to a first position, and a microcontroller coupled to the electric motor to commutate the electric motor. Upon failure of the power source, the spring returns the damper to the first position, and, as the spring returns the load to the first position, the electric motor is spun to generate electricity that is used to power the microcontroller. The microcontroller can govern a speed at which the spring returns the load to the first position. In addition, a potentiometer can be used to indicate when the load approaches the first position so that the microcontroller can slow the speed of return prior to the load reaching the first position.