Automatic heating circuit applied to non-directional beacon machine

By introducing temperature detection and infrared position detection circuits on the directionless beacon machine, combined with the MCU-controlled heater and motor circuit, the problem of motor failure at extremely low temperatures is solved, and the normal operation of the motor and the stability and safety of the system are achieved.

CN223205812UActive Publication Date: 2025-08-08FUJIAN DINGYANG INFORMATION TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422006130.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-19
Publication Date
2025-08-08
Estimated Expiration
2034-08-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing directionless beacon machine has inaccurate heating control in extreme low temperature environments, resulting in frequent motor failures, affecting system stability and reliability.

Method used

The temperature detection circuit and MCU-controlled heater circuit are adopted, combined with the Min/Max infrared transmitting and receiving circuit and the motor control circuit, to realize automatic heating and precise position control, and the motor and heater are adjusted through the PWM pulse signal to ensure that the motor works normally in a low-temperature environment.

Benefits of technology

It realizes the normal operation of the motor in a low temperature environment, ensures system stability and reliability, prevents motor failure, and improves the safety and energy efficiency of the system.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of non-directional beacon machines, and discloses an automatic heating circuit applied to a non-directional beacon machine, which comprises the following components: a temperature detection circuit, which comprises a temperature sensor installed near a motor and used for detecting the ambient temperature around the motor in real time, the detected temperature data is transmitted to the coupler control panel through the communication circuit; the heater and the control circuit thereof are controlled by the MCU (micro control unit), and the heater is started to heat the motor and the surrounding environment thereof when the environment temperature is lower than a preset value so as to ensure the normal work of the motor in a low-temperature environment; according to the utility model, the design not only prevents the motor from having a fault due to low temperature, but also ensures the stability and reliability of the system in a severe environment.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of non-directional beacons, in particular to an automatic heating circuit applied to non-directional beacons. Background Art

[0002] As an omnidirectional medium-wave radio transmitter, the non-directional beacon (NDB) has important applications in aviation navigation, particularly in offshore oil platforms, civil airports, and combat airfields. NDBs primarily transmit radio signals omnidirectionally into space, providing direction-finding and identification signals for aircraft equipped with radio compasses, thereby guiding aircraft takeoff and landing or flight along predetermined routes. Due to their low cost, long navigation range, and high reliability, NDBs have become key equipment in aviation navigation.

[0003] Among the components of NDB, the coupler plays a vital role. The coupler not only needs to achieve the impedance matching required by the power amplifier branch, but also needs to transmit power and filter out harmonics to ensure the signal quality of the entire device output. However, since the automatic fine-tuning circuit in the coupler is usually placed outdoors, especially when working in extreme environments, such as the low temperature in the northern sea may reach below -30 degrees, this places higher requirements on the motor inside the coupler. In the existing technology, in order to ensure that the motor can still work normally in a low-temperature environment, a low-temperature resistant motor is usually selected, but this not only increases the cost, but also faces the problem of difficulty in selecting suppliers. In addition, due to extreme temperature changes, the reliability of the motor may also be affected, which in turn affects the stability of the entire NDB system.

[0004] While existing solutions can reduce motor temperature requirements through derating, outdoor ambient temperatures can be far below the motor's designed operating temperature range. This can lead to motor failures or even failure to start properly in extremely low temperatures. Furthermore, existing heating control circuits often lack precise temperature control, potentially causing the heater to over- or under-operate, impacting system energy efficiency and motor stability.

[0005] In summary, the existing technology lacks a heating circuit that can automatically adjust heating, precisely control temperature, and effectively protect the motor in extremely low-temperature environments. This limitation severely restricts the reliability and safety of non-directional beacons in extreme climates. Therefore, a new technical solution is urgently needed to address this issue and ensure the stable operation of non-directional beacons in harsh environments.

[0006] Therefore, we propose an automatic heating circuit for use in non-directional beacons. Utility Model Content

[0007] The utility model mainly solves the above-mentioned existing technical problems and provides an automatic heating circuit applied to a non-directional beacon.

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: an automatic heating circuit applied to a non-directional beacon, comprising the following components:

[0009] a temperature detection circuit, comprising a temperature sensor installed near the motor, for detecting the ambient temperature around the motor in real time and transmitting the detected temperature data to the coupler control board via a communication circuit;

[0010] The heater and its control circuit are controlled by the MCU (microcontroller unit). When the ambient temperature is lower than the preset value, the heater is activated to heat the motor and its surrounding environment to ensure the normal operation of the motor in a low temperature environment.

[0011] The MCU monitors the temperature control circuit, connects the temperature detection circuit and the heater control circuit, and monitors the output temperature value of the temperature sensor in real time. When the ambient temperature is detected to be lower than the preset threshold temperature, the MCU outputs a control signal to start the heater; when the temperature reaches the set safety range, the heater stops working.

[0012] Min / Max infrared transmitting and receiving circuit;

[0013] Motor control circuit.

[0014] Preferably, the temperature sensor in the temperature detection circuit is a DS18B20 temperature sensor, and the DS18B20 temperature sensor converts a temperature signal into an electrical signal through a specific protocol and transmits the electrical signal to the MCU.

[0015] Preferably, the heater is a PTC heating chip, and the start and stop of the heating chip is controlled by the MCU through a relay circuit to perform heating according to temperature conditions.

[0016] Preferably, the MCU monitoring and temperature control circuit includes a PWM pulse signal output module, and the MCU outputs a PWM pulse signal to control the start and stop of the motor according to the detection result of the temperature sensor.

[0017] Preferably, the Min / Max infrared transmitting and receiving circuits are used to detect the minimum and maximum positions reached by the variable capacitor coaxially driven by the motor, and transmit the detection results to the MCU for identification and processing;

[0018] The motor control circuit controls the rotation direction and speed of the motor through the PWM pulse signal output by the MCU to drive the adjustment of the variable capacitor;

[0019] The MCU determines whether the motor reaches the required position within the predetermined time based on the feedback signals from the Min / Max infrared emission and receiving circuits. If it fails to reach the required position, it outputs an abnormal signal to prompt or activates the corresponding protection mechanism.

[0020] Preferably, the infrared transmitting module and receiving module in the Min / Max infrared transmitting and receiving circuit are respectively installed at the minimum and maximum positions of the variable capacitor, and the position of the capacitor is determined by blocking the infrared signal through the movement of the variable capacitor.

[0021] Preferably, the motor control circuit includes a plurality of MOS tubes, and the PWM pulse signal output by the MCU controls the on and off of the MOS tubes, thereby driving the stepper motor to operate.

[0022] The utility model provides an automatic heating circuit applied to a non-directional beacon. It has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] This automatic heating circuit, used in non-directional beacons, ensures the proper function of the motor in low-temperature environments through real-time temperature monitoring and automatic heating control. The temperature sensing circuit uses a DS18B20 temperature sensor to monitor the motor's ambient temperature in real time. The MCU precisely activates and deactivates the PTC heating chip based on temperature fluctuations. This design not only prevents motor failure due to low temperatures but also ensures system stability and reliability in harsh environments.

[0024] 2. This automatic heating circuit, used in a non-directional beacon, monitors the position of a variable capacitor driven by a motor in real time through a minimum / maximum infrared transmitter and receiver circuit. When the variable capacitor reaches the preset minimum or maximum value, the infrared receiver triggers an interrupt signal, which the MCU uses to determine the motor position and adjust its direction of rotation. This structural design precisely controls the motor position, preventing overspeed or misoperation, and ensuring system safety.

[0025] 3. This automatic heating circuit, used in a non-directional beacon, uses a relay driver circuit (Q5) to amplify the drive current output by the MCU, ensuring stable relay engagement and thus reliably controlling the start and stop of the PTC heater chip. This design not only enhances the drive capability of the heating control circuit but also effectively protects the MCU through isolation circuitry, preventing potential damage from directly driving high-current loads.

[0026] 4. This automatic heating circuit, used in a non-directional beacon, features automatic anomaly detection. The MCU uses the Min / Max infrared detection results to determine whether the motor has reached the set position within the specified time. If not, the MCU outputs an anomaly signal and triggers a protection mechanism. This design improves system safety, enabling timely detection and handling of anomalies and preventing damage caused by motor runaway.

[0027] 5. This automatic heating circuit, used in a non-directional beacon, uses PWM pulse signals to precisely control the motor speed and the heater's start and stop, achieving energy savings. When the temperature reaches a safe range, the MCU promptly shuts off the heater, reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, the motor automatically stops when it reaches a set position, avoiding unnecessary energy waste and further improving the system's energy efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other implementation drawings based on the provided drawings without inventive effort.

[0029] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc. disclosed in this specification are intended only to complement the contents disclosed in the specification and to facilitate understanding and reading by persons familiar with the art. They are not intended to limit the conditions under which the present invention may be implemented and therefore have no substantive technical significance. Any structural modifications, changes in proportions, or adjustments in sizes that do not affect the efficacy and objectives of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the technical contents disclosed in the present invention.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a flow chart of the automatic heating circuit on the non-directional beacon of the utility model;

[0031] Figure 2 This is the Min / Max infrared transmitting and receiving circuit of the utility model;

[0032] Figure 3 This is the motor control circuit of the utility model;

[0033] Figure 4 This is the MCU monitoring temperature control circuit of the utility model. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] Example: An automatic heating circuit applied to a non-directional beacon, such as Figure 1 - Figure 4 As shown, it includes the following components:

[0036] a temperature detection circuit, comprising a temperature sensor installed near the motor, for detecting the ambient temperature around the motor in real time and transmitting the detected temperature data to the coupler control board via a communication circuit;

[0037] The heater and its control circuit are controlled by the MCU (microcontroller unit). When the ambient temperature is lower than the preset value, the heater is activated to heat the motor and its surrounding environment to ensure the normal operation of the motor in a low temperature environment.

[0038] The MCU monitors the temperature control circuit, connects the temperature detection circuit and the heater control circuit, and monitors the output temperature value of the temperature sensor in real time. When the ambient temperature is detected to be lower than the preset threshold temperature, the MCU outputs a control signal to start the heater; when the temperature reaches the set safety range, the heater stops working.

[0039] Min / Max infrared transmitting and receiving circuit;

[0040] Motor control circuit, motor control circuit: This circuit is mainly used for motor control. Motor 1 group +, motor 1 group - and motor 2 pins are group A, motor 2 group +, motor 2 group - and motor 5 pins are group B. When the MCU outputs specific PWM pulse signals on different links, the pulse signal is a weak current output. By controlling the conduction and switching of the MOS tube of the subsequent circuit, it synchronously outputs a pulse signal with greater driving capability, and at the same time plays an isolation role, thereby driving the stepper motor.

[0041] The temperature sensor in the temperature detection circuit is a DS18B20 temperature sensor, which converts a temperature signal into an electrical signal through a specific protocol and transmits the electrical signal to the MCU.

[0042] The heater is a PTC heating chip, which is started and stopped by the MCU through a relay circuit to perform heating according to temperature conditions.

[0043] The MCU monitoring and temperature control circuit includes a PWM pulse signal output module. The MCU outputs a PWM pulse signal to control the start and stop of the motor based on the detection results of the temperature sensor. The MCU monitoring and temperature control circuit: Temperature detection directly uses a common DS18B20 temperature sensor. The DS18B20 sensor converts the temperature into an electrical signal and transmits it to the MCU. The MCU reads the current temperature value of the temperature sensor according to a specific protocol and determines whether the current temperature is less than -20 degrees. If it is less than -20 degrees, it outputs a heating start signal, activating the start relay to energize the PTC heating chip, thereby directly starting heating. When the temperature exceeds -20 degrees, the heating is turned off. Q5 is the relay drive circuit, which amplifies the output drive current of the MCU to confirm that the relay can be properly energized.

[0044] Preferably, the Min / Max infrared transmitting and receiving circuits are used to detect the minimum and maximum positions reached by the variable capacitor coaxially driven by the motor, and transmit the detection results to the MCU for identification and processing;

[0045] The motor control circuit controls the rotation direction and speed of the motor through the PWM pulse signal output by the MCU to drive the adjustment of the variable capacitor;

[0046] The MCU determines whether the motor reaches the desired position within a predetermined time based on the feedback signal from the Min / Max infrared transmitting and receiving circuit. If it fails to reach the desired position, it outputs an abnormal signal to prompt or activates the corresponding protection mechanism. The infrared transmitting module and receiving module in the Min / Max infrared transmitting and receiving circuit are respectively installed at the minimum and maximum positions of the variable capacitor. The position of the capacitor is determined by the movement of the variable capacitor blocking the infrared signal. The Min / Max infrared transmitting and receiving circuit is mainly used to identify the position reached by the variable capacitor coaxially driven by the motor to determine whether the variable capacitor has reached the minimum and maximum values. The Min infrared transmitting circuit is controlled by the MCU and starts infrared transmission. After the infrared light is transmitted, the corresponding Min infrared receives the corresponding infrared signal. When the variable capacitor coaxially driven by the motor reaches the minimum position, it blocks the infrared transmission signal, and the infrared receiving circuit is triggered and interrupted. The MCU then recognizes that the minimum position has been reached, thereby controlling the motor to rotate in the opposite direction. The Max infrared transmitting / receiving circuit is similar. When the variable capacitor reaches the maximum position, the MCU recognizes that the maximum position has been reached and controls the motor to stop.

[0047] The motor control circuit includes multiple MOS tubes, and the PWM pulse signal output by the MCU controls the conduction and shutdown of the MOS tubes, thereby driving the stepper motor to operate.

[0048] The working principle of this utility model:

[0049] Automatic heating function: Temperature detection circuit: including DS18B20 temperature sensor, responsible for real-time monitoring of the ambient temperature around the motor.

[0050] MCU monitoring temperature control circuit: connects the temperature monitoring circuit and the heater control circuit, and controls the start and stop of the heater through the PWM pulse signal.

[0051] Heater: Use PTC heating chip, and control the start and stop of the heater through MCU to keep the motor working normally in low temperature environment.

[0052] Relay drive circuit (Q5): amplifies the drive current output by the MCU to ensure that the relay is correctly attracted, thereby starting or stopping the PTC heating chip.

[0053] By detecting the ambient temperature in real time and automatically controlling the start and stop of the heater according to the detection results, it ensures that the motor can work normally in a low temperature environment and prevents motor failure or performance degradation due to low temperature.

[0054] Motor position control and abnormality detection function: Min / Max infrared transmitting and receiving circuit: used to detect the position of the variable capacitor driven by the motor coaxially and determine whether the capacitor has reached the minimum and maximum values.

[0055] Motor control circuit: The PWM pulse signal output by the MCU controls the on and off of the MOS tube to drive the stepper motor to operate.

[0056] MCU: Based on the feedback signals from the Min / Max infrared emission and receiving circuits, it determines whether the motor reaches the required position within the predetermined time. If it fails to reach the required position, it outputs an abnormal signal and activates the protection mechanism.

[0057] Through infrared transmitting and receiving circuits, the actual position of the variable capacitor driven by the motor is detected in real time to ensure that the motor can accurately reach the set position. When an abnormality occurs, it is detected and protective measures are triggered in time to prevent the motor from over-rotating or losing control, thereby protecting the motor and the system it drives.

[0058] Improve system reliability and stability: Relay drive circuit (Q5): By amplifying the current output by the MCU, the stable operation of the relay is ensured. This not only ensures the reliable startup of the PTC heating chip, but also protects the MCU under high current conditions, avoiding damage caused by directly driving a large load.

[0059] PWM control: Through PWM signal adjustment, not only can the operation of the heater be accurately controlled, but also the precise speed regulation of the motor can be achieved, further improving the reliability and stability of the system.

[0060] System Protection Mechanism: Abnormal Detection and Feedback: The MCU not only monitors temperature and heater control but also monitors the motor's operating status using infrared detection results (Min / Max). If it detects that the motor has not reached the target position within the predetermined time, the MCU outputs an abnormality signal. This mechanism helps prevent motor loss of control due to external environmental changes or internal faults, effectively protecting the entire system.

[0061] Energy saving effect: Accuracy of temperature control: Through the precise control of DS18B20 sensor and MCU, unnecessary heating can be avoided. When the temperature reaches the safe range, the heater is turned off in time, which reduces energy consumption and extends the life of the heater.

[0062] Precise control of the motor: By adjusting the working state of the motor through the PWM signal, the motor can be stopped in time after reaching the required position, avoiding ineffective operation of the motor and thus saving energy.

[0063] The system's modular design allows for the independence of each functional circuit: temperature detection, heating control, motor control, position detection, and other functional modules are relatively independent and integrated through the MCU. This modular design facilitates system maintenance and upgrades while also adapting to diverse application requirements.

[0064] The system's primary effect is to ensure the motor's normal operation in low-temperature environments through an automatic temperature control circuit, while ensuring precise motor operation and system safety through motor position detection and control circuits. The device includes improved system reliability, energy saving, protection mechanisms, and modular design, all of which enhance the system's overall performance and adaptability.

[0065] The above shows and describes the basic principles, main features and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiments and descriptions are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Various changes and improvements may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Such changes and improvements are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention. The scope of protection claimed in this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An automatic heating circuit applied to a non-directional beacon, characterized in that: Includes the following components: a temperature detection circuit, comprising a temperature sensor installed near the motor, for detecting the ambient temperature around the motor in real time and transmitting the detected temperature data to the coupler control board via a communication circuit; The heater and its control circuit are controlled by the MCU. When the ambient temperature is lower than the preset value, the heater is started to heat the motor and its surrounding environment to ensure the normal operation of the motor in a low temperature environment. The MCU monitors the temperature control circuit, connects the temperature detection circuit and the heater control circuit, and monitors the output temperature value of the temperature sensor in real time. When the ambient temperature is detected to be lower than the preset threshold temperature, the MCU outputs a control signal to start the heater; when the temperature reaches the set safety range, the heater stops working. Min / Max infrared transmitting and receiving circuit; Motor control circuit.

2. The automatic heating circuit for use in a non-directional beacon according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature sensor in the temperature detection circuit is a DS18B20 temperature sensor, which converts the temperature signal into an electrical signal through a protocol and transmits it to the MCU.

3. The automatic heating circuit for use in a non-directional beacon according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heater is a PTC heating chip, which is started and stopped by the MCU through a relay circuit to perform heating according to temperature conditions.

4. The automatic heating circuit for use in a non-directional beacon according to claim 1, characterized in that: The MCU monitoring and temperature control circuit includes a PWM pulse signal output module. The MCU outputs a PWM pulse signal to control the start and stop of the motor according to the detection result of the temperature sensor.

5. The automatic heating circuit for use in a non-directional beacon according to claim 1, characterized in that: The Min / Max infrared transmitting and receiving circuits are used to detect the minimum and maximum positions reached by the variable capacitor coaxially driven by the motor, and transmit the detection results to the MCU for identification and processing; The motor control circuit controls the rotation direction and speed of the motor through the PWM pulse signal output by the MCU to drive the adjustment of the variable capacitor; The MCU determines whether the motor reaches the required position within the predetermined time based on the feedback signals from the Min / Max infrared emission and receiving circuits. If it fails to reach the required position, it outputs an abnormal signal to prompt or activates the corresponding protection mechanism.

6. The automatic heating circuit for use in a non-directional beacon according to claim 5, characterized in that: The infrared transmitting module and receiving module in the Min / Max infrared transmitting and receiving circuit are respectively installed at the minimum and maximum positions of the variable capacitor, and the position of the capacitor is determined by blocking the infrared signal through the movement of the variable capacitor.

7. The automatic heating circuit for use in a non-directional beacon according to claim 5, characterized in that: The motor control circuit includes multiple MOS tubes, and the PWM pulse signal output by the MCU controls the conduction and shutdown of the MOS tubes, thereby driving the stepper motor to operate.