Delphi Technologies, Inc.

Thomas E Gyoergy

Joyce D Carsey

Lawrence Dean Hazelton

Daniel Alexander Crawford

Thomas Wayne Newman

Jeffrey Jean Stege

Chris D Robinson

A smart actuator and method includes an actuating device adapted to deliver a selected driving torque to a geartrain that is coupled to an output shaft and adapted to selectively convey the driving torque from the actuating device to the output shaft to achieve a selected shaft position. At least one logic and control device operates the various aspects of the smart actuator. The geartrain includes at least one locking gear including locking features defining a plurality of gear positions. A position lock solenoid is adapted to engage the locking gear at a selected gear position once the geartrain has achieved the selected shaft position on the output shaft. The position lock solenoid then holds the gear at the selected gear position. The actuating device is shut off after the position lock solenoid has engaged the locking gear thereby achieving and holding a high torque without driving a lot of current.

Low power, high torque actuator retention

An embodiment of the invention is an actuator controller for use in an actuator assembly. The actuator controller includes a processor for controlling an actuator associated with the actuator controller. A communication device is in communication with the processor. The communication device receives control commands from a master controller and is capable of communicating in multiple languages. A memory is accessible by the processor and the processor determines the language of the control commands and retrieves a control program from the memory corresponding to the language.

Actuator controller for selecting a communication language

A multi-strike throttle minimum learning system compares a signal received from at least one throttle position sensor to a predetermined minimum throttle position range based on throttle system component tolerances. A possible throttle obstruction is indicated when all of the sensor signal minimum values are outside the predetermined minimum range. In this case, the system deactivates electrical power for a predetermined delay period and then initiates another learn attempt in an effort to overcome the obstruction. This cycle is repeated until a valid throttle minimum position is detected, the number of learn attempts reaches a preset maximum, or a sensor fault is detected. If a valid throttle position minimum is detected within the allowed number of learning attempts, normal engine startup proceeds; otherwise, appropriate fault codes are communicated to the balance of the engine management system and, ultimately, to the operator.

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Clarkston, MI, United States of America

Thomas E Gyoergy