Motor-Driven Actuator Control for Spring-Like Load Absorption

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuator configurations for controlling kinetic energy in mechanical and electrical systems are complex, requiring significant time and effort to tune control logic, and often result in low position accuracy and inadequate force control, especially when dealing with external loads.

Innovation Solution

A drive system utilizing an actuator driven by a motor, which mimics ideal spring behavior through controlled displacement and torque, allowing for easy configuration of control logic and simulation, and includes a selecting unit to switch between impact absorbing and elastic force generating operations based on predetermined conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If mechanical configurations (spring, rubber, damper, air cylinder) are used to attenuate kinetic energy, then force absorption capability is improved, but device complexity increases and position accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce absorption capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical configurations (springs, rubber, dampers, air cylinders) with an actuator system that uses controlled displacement and torque generation to achieve force absorption. The actuator is driven by a motor and controlled by a controller that generates displacement instructions based on spring behavior characteristics, substituting passive mechanical elements with an active electromechanical system that provides both force absorption and position control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If electrical configuration with control logic is used to control actuator, then force control precision is improved, but device complexity and tuning effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce control precisionVSAvoidcontrol logic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a physical model that copies spring behavior characteristics (displacement-force relationship) to control the actuator. Instead of implementing complex control logic that directly models the mechanical system, the controller generates displacement instructions that replicate ideal spring behavior, allowing the actuator to naturally absorb forces while maintaining simple control structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator system absorbs forces and controls displacement through its own controlled movement without requiring external force sensors or complex feedback control loops. The system uses its displacement control capability to inherently manage force absorption, eliminating the need for additional sensing and complex control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Force

If mechanical configurations are designed for specific target loads, then force absorption performance is improved, but adaptability to different loads decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce absorption performanceVSAvoidload adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic control system where the actuator's displacement instructions are continuously adjusted based on real-time conditions. The controller can adapt the spring behavior characteristics and displacement targets dynamically, allowing the system to handle varying loads and operational requirements without requiring physical redesign or retuning of mechanical parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates easy creation of control logic and simulation, reduces complexity in designing mechanical systems, and enables precise load control by mimicking ideal spring behavior, minimizing deviations from preliminary designs and eliminating the need for external force sensors.

Implementation Method 1

mimics ideal spring behavior through controlled displacement and torque

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring behavior: Spring

Implementation Method 2

generating a load according to spring behavior

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4280430B1Drive system, control method, and control program
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 OMRON CORP
  • EP4280430B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4280430B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4280430B1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(C)

AI summary

A drive system includes an actuator that is driven by a motor to generate displacement, a driver that drives the motor, and a controller that gives a control instruction to the driver. The controller includes: a model creation unit configured to create a physical model based on displacement caused by application of an external load to the actuator; a first instruction generating unit configured to generate a control instruction to the motor such that the actuator generates the displacement according to the physical model; a determination unit configured to determine a spring constant; a second instruction generating unit configured to generate a control instruction to the motor so as to generate drive force calculated based on a product of the spring constant and the displacement generated in the actuator; and a selecting unit configured to select and validate one of the control instructions of the first instruction generating unit and the second instruction generating unit.