Precise position controlled actuating method and system
First Claim
1. A system for actuating a spray pump assembly, the system comprising:
- a motor component for receiving a power input and a control input and producing a rotary drive output therefrom;
a drive transmission component for receiving the rotary drive output and producing a linear drive output therefrom;
a spray pump holder component for removably securing the spray pump assembly;
a force coupler for coupling the linear drive output to the spray pump mechanism, so as to apply a force to the spray pump mechanism;
a force transducer for producing a force signal proportional to the force applied to the spray pump mechanism; and
a system controller for receiving a set of test inputs including (i) the force signal, (ii) one or more feedback signals from the motor component, and (iii) user input corresponding to spray pump test parameters, and providing the control input to the motor component as a predetermined function of the set of test inputs;
wherein the system is operative to actuate the spray pump mechanism according to an actuation profile defined by the set of test inputs.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for actuating a spray pump assembly comprises a reference platform, a motor, a drive transmission, a spray pump holder, a force coupler, a force transducer, and a system controller. The motor receives a power and control input, and produces a rotary drive output. The drive transmission receives the rotary drive output and produces a linear drive output. The spray pump holder secures the spray pump assembly. The force coupler couples the linear drive output to the spray pump, and applies a force to the spray pump. The force transducer produces a force signal proportional to the force applied to the spray pump. The system controller receives a set of test inputs and provides the control input to the motor as a function of the set of test inputs. The system actuates the spray pump mechanism according to an actuation profile defined by the set of test inputs.
28 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A system for actuating a spray pump assembly, the system comprising:
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a motor component for receiving a power input and a control input and producing a rotary drive output therefrom;
a drive transmission component for receiving the rotary drive output and producing a linear drive output therefrom;
a spray pump holder component for removably securing the spray pump assembly;
a force coupler for coupling the linear drive output to the spray pump mechanism, so as to apply a force to the spray pump mechanism;
a force transducer for producing a force signal proportional to the force applied to the spray pump mechanism; and
a system controller for receiving a set of test inputs including (i) the force signal, (ii) one or more feedback signals from the motor component, and (iii) user input corresponding to spray pump test parameters, and providing the control input to the motor component as a predetermined function of the set of test inputs;
wherein the system is operative to actuate the spray pump mechanism according to an actuation profile defined by the set of test inputs.
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2. A method of actuating a spray pump assembly including a reservoir component and a pump/nozzle component, via an actuator system including a rotary motor driving a linear screw rail assembly, thereby applying a force to the spray pump assembly, the method comprising:
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removably securing the spray pump assembly to a spray pump holder component;
determining (i) a quiescent position of the spray pump, and (ii) a fully actuated position of the spray pump assembly;
generating an actuation profile as a predetermined function of the quiescent position, the fully actuated position, and user input corresponding to spray pump test parameters; and
actuating the spray pump according to the actuation profile. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4)
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5. A spray pump holder for securing a spray pump assembly having a reservoir component and a pump/nozzle component, comprising:
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(i) a clamp having an aperture disposed about a central axis, and a plurality of fingers disposed about the perimeter of the aperture and extending out from the clamp parallel to the central axis;
(ii) a compression member removably attached to the clamp;
wherein the pump/nozzle component is inserted into the aperture along the central axis, and the compression member, when attached to the clamp, compresses the plurality of fingers against the pump/nozzle component so as to secure the pump/nozzle component to the clamp. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A spray pump holder for securing a spray pump assembly having a reservoir component and a pump/nozzle component, comprising:
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(i) a bracket for supporting the spray pump assembly, and (ii) at least one securing strap for removably securing the spray pump assembly against the bracket. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A spray pump holder for securing a spray pump assembly, comprising:
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(i) a base including a body member, and a housing member having a stop tab; and
(ii) a clamping assembly including a first lever and a second lever pivotally attached at a pivot point about a pivot axle, and a spring attached to the first lever and the second lever so as to force together a first end of the first lever and a first end of the second lever;
wherein the stop tab provides a platform against which a pump/nozzle component of a spray pump assembly presses, and the pump/nozzle component is secured between the first end of the first lever and a first end of the second lever. - View Dependent Claims (25)
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Specification