Patent ID: 8443771
Filing Date: 2013-05-21
Classification: F01L

Abstract:
1. A method of controlling a valve actuator for a combustion engine, the actuator comprising a movable member for collaborating with a stem of a valve, and electromagnetic means with a permanent magnet associated with resilient means for moving the movable member between an extreme valve-closed position and an extreme valve-open position, the method comprising: determining a clearance range between the movable member and the valve stem during movement of the movable member between the extreme closed and open positions; determining, in the clearance range, intermediate positions reached by the movable member as a function of different values of an electrical control parameter of the electromagnetic means; and using positional feedback control to control the electromagnetic means by using one of the intermediate positions located within the clearance range as a setpoint position, wherein the setpoint position correspondes to the closed position of the valve and is selected according to the desired performance of the actuator.