Actuator Parameter Verification Using Motor Torque Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive controllers for actuators determine detailed motions of displacement members without ensuring the appropriateness of the parameters, leading to potential issues such as shortened lifespan or failure of the actuator.

Innovation Solution

A parameter determination device and method that includes an input parameter acquisition unit, torque acquisition unit, and determination unit to assess the appropriateness of control parameters based on torque during the actuator's movement cycle, allowing for the extension and correction of input parameters to ensure suitability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If control parameters are determined without verification, then productivity is improved by faster parameter setting, but reliability deteriorates due to potential actuator failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter setting speedVSAvoidactuator lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary torque calculation and verification before actual actuator operation. The determination unit calculates required torque based on input parameters and verifies feasibility before execution, preventing inappropriate parameters from causing actuator failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by comparing calculated torque values against actuator capabilities and providing determination results about parameter appropriateness. This feedback loop ensures that only suitable parameters are used, maintaining reliability while enabling efficient parameter setting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If torque verification is performed for all parameters, then reliability is improved by preventing actuator failure, but device complexity increases due to additional verification steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactuator operation safetyVSAvoidparameter determination process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes parameters from direct physical measurements to calculated values based on input parameters. By calculating torque from motion parameters (displacement, time, load) rather than requiring direct torque sensing, the system achieves verification without adding complex hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces mechanical torque sensing with computational torque calculation. Instead of using mechanical torque sensors or complex verification mechanisms, the determination unit computationally evaluates parameter appropriateness based on motor torque characteristics and motion requirements.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4610766A1Parameter determination device and parameter determination method
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 SMC CORP
  • EP4610766A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4610766A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4610766A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a parameter determination device (10) for an actuator (20) including a movable member (52) and a motor (54), the parameter determination device (10) comprising: an input parameter acquisition unit (120) that acquires an input parameter pertaining to a target position (G) and movement speed of the movable member; a torque acquisition unit (126) that acquires the torque of the motor at a cycle time (Tc) until the movable member reaches the target position as a result of the motor moving the movable member on the basis of the input parameter; and a determination unit (128) that determines the suitability of the input parameter on the basis of the torque.