Characterization of a Four Discrete Positions Electromagnetic Actuator

Abstract

A digital electromagnetic actuator having two displacement directions and four discrete positions is presented. These discrete positions are located at each corner of a closed square bracket where a mobile magnet moves due to Lorentz force generated with a driving current through a wire. An optimized design of this actuator is presented, modeled and tested. At first, plane displacements are presented which proves the ability of the actuator to realize this type of displacement. Second, comparisons between the experimental and modeled displacements are carried out which show a good agreement from dynamic point of view and finally, the measured positioning repeatability errors in discrete position are given.