Engineering intelligent motion control protocol for dual-resolution linear actuator with unified coupled drive system

Actuators with high resolution and high range are always in demand for critical applications such as space applications, machining, and medical equipment. However dual-staged actuators serve the purpose, but in terms of space occupied, they are not efficient due to the reason that two separate actuators are utilized to obtain fine motion and coarse motion i.e. they have two separate drive systems. Hence a dual-resolution actuator that has a coarse motion segment and a fine motion segment in itself that runs through a common drive system was designed. A coupling mechanism is employed to engage and disengage with the coarse motion of the actuator, enabling the use of coarse motion only when required. Compared to a dual-staged actuator, the control algorithm structure for a dual-resolution actuator is much more complex due to the presence of a coupling mechanism. An intelligent algorithm focused on increasing the run time efficiency was developed and tested over the realized actuator. This paper describes the techniques adopted and the sequence of conditions used to enable the actuator to reach the target in the shortest time and minimum possible steps.