Control algorithm for soft-landing in electromechanical actuators

摘要

A system (12) and method for controlling an armature (20) of an electromagnetic actuator (10) are provided. The system (12) includes a circuit (46) for providing current to the coils (32, 34) of electromagnets (16, 18) disposed on either side of the armature (20). The system (12) also includes an electronic control unit (ECU) (50). The ECU (50) is configured to determine the neutral position of a virtual spring corresponding to the combination of forces acting on the armature 20 including the magnetic force of the attracting electromagnet (16 or 18) and the force of a restoring spring (22 or 24) opposing movement of the armature (20) towards the attracting electromagnet (16 or 18). The ECU (50) is further configured to control the current in the coil (32 or 34) of the attracting electromagnet (16 or 18) responsive to the determined neutral position so as to minimize the velocity of the armature as it reaches the pole face (36 or 38) of the attracting electromagnet (16 or 18).