Position control actuator system

• Main Authors: DU PLESSIS ANDRIES J, JESSIMAN ALEXANDER W, MULLER GERT J
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 24.07.2007
• Subjects: ACTUATING-FLOATS; BLASTING; COCKS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVEFUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; HEATING; LIGHTING; MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; MACHINES OR ENGINES, IN GENERAL OR OF POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENTTYPE, e.g. STEAM ENGINES; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; STEAM ENGINES; TAPS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL; VALVES; WEAPONS

A position control actuator system includes a control element and first and second actuators. The first and second actuators are each comprised of magneto-active twinned material. The first actuator is configured to extend and drive the control element in a first direction when the first actuator is subjected to a magnetic field. The second actuator is configured to extend and drive the control element in a second direction when the second actuator is subjected to a magnetic field. A magnetic field source subsystem is configured to extend the first actuator to drive the control element in the first direction, and extend the second actuator to drive the control element in the second direction.