Importance

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Abstract

A rotary actuator includes a pole riser that acts as a mechanical stop and provides advantageous magnetic latching features, which overcome the problems typically associated with the end of travel in conventional rotary actuators. The pole riser designed in accordance with this invention includes a necked region of reduced cross-sectional area, which allows for an air gap to be maintained between at least a portion of the pole riser and the rotor pole at the end of travel. The pole riser necked region provides an additional flux pathway that is magnetically saturated and the remainder of the pole riser provides a magnetic pathway for a latching flux, which maintains the rotor in an end of travel position without requiring an increase in the current through the coil. A rotary actuator design and control methodology are disclosed.

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First Claim