How to simulate a limit switch in SIMULINK?

Hi! I'm strugling to find a solution of my problem: i want to simulate a hydraulic model with a double acting hydraulic cylinder that changes the acting direction at a moment when the displacement of the rod reaches some value (for example 0.5 m) in a loop (see picture). I want it to check current displacement and return 1 if displacement is below 0.5 m and after it reaches 0.5 m i want to get -1. I tried to use "detect change" but unsuccessfully.

In general the problem i faced is inability to change the signal permanently. When i get -1 the rod goes back 1 step and than displacement is again < 0.5 m and the rod goes forward. And it happens in a loop.

I don't use "repeating sequence interpolated" because i will simulate the model with different speed of the rod but i want the direction of the action to be changed every time at the same moment.

You can find sample model in attachment. Thanks a lot!

Answer 1

[Peter O]

Try something like this. It's a little quickly done, so I'm sure there's room for optimization or elegance, but this works.

You need to track the velocity or direction command as a state in addition to the position. Pass the current one through if it's not outside of the upper or lower limit, and set the up/down direction if it passes it.

Take a look at the backlash (hysteresis) block too. It may not be useful here, but it's helpful to model things like stiction, which you might need if you're working with a hydraulic cylinder.

[Kirill Dolgiy]

Thank you!