Blank Separator Axle Temperature Feedback for Speed Limits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing axle systems are often not operated at their power optimum due to unknown intended uses and ambient conditions, leading to suboptimal performance in terms of speed and longevity, and require complex design to ensure operational reliability.

Innovation Solution

A method to determine the maximum permissible limit temperature of the electric drive or axle, allowing the system to operate at this temperature without thermal-induced wear, with adjustments to operating speed and acceleration based on detected temperature to maintain optimal performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the axle system is designed with a considerable safety margin before the power limit to ensure operational reliability and longevity, then the system achieves high reliability, but the operating speed is reduced and the system does not operate at power optimum

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidoperating speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static safety margins to dynamic temperature-based control. The system continuously monitors temperature and adjusts operating parameters in real-time, allowing the axle system to operate at higher speeds when temperatures are low and reduce speed only when necessary to prevent thermal damage, thus achieving both high reliability and optimal speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through temperature monitoring and closed-loop control. Temperature sensors provide continuous feedback to the control unit, which adjusts operating parameters based on actual thermal conditions. This feedback mechanism replaces conservative static safety margins with adaptive dynamic control, enabling the system to operate at power optimum while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the operating speed and acceleration are increased to achieve power optimum, then productivity improves, but the operating temperature increases leading to thermal-induced wear and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidthermal-induced wear
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit receives continuous temperature feedback from sensors and adjusts operating speed and acceleration accordingly. When temperature approaches critical thresholds, the system automatically reduces speed to prevent thermal-induced wear, while allowing higher speeds when temperatures are safe, thus optimizing productivity without causing thermal damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operating parameters (speed, acceleration) dynamically based on temperature conditions. The control unit modifies these parameters in real-time according to thermal state, enabling the system to achieve high productivity when conditions permit while preventing thermal-induced wear through parameter adjustment when temperatures rise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If extensive design is performed to optimize the axle system for specific intended uses and ambient conditions, then the system can operate at power optimum, but the design complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating efficiencyVSAvoiddesign complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The axle system performs self-optimization through automated temperature monitoring and control. The control unit independently adjusts operating parameters based on real-time temperature data without requiring complex pre-design for each application scenario. This self-service capability replaces extensive manual design with automated adaptive control, achieving power optimum operation while minimizing design complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal control system that adapts to different intended uses and ambient conditions through temperature-based feedback control. Rather than designing separate optimized systems for each application, a single universal controller handles diverse scenarios by responding to actual thermal conditions, thus achieving operating efficiency without increasing design complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables the axle system to operate at power optimum with high reliability and longevity, adapting to changing conditions without the need for extensive design, reducing cycle times and preventing thermal damage.

Implementation Method 1

the operating temperature of the electric drive and/or of the axle is further detected during operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Implementation Method 2

the axle system comprises at least one electric drive, in particular a direct drive, for moving the actuating element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion:

Implementation Method 3

With increasing operating time, and/or with increasing speed and/or acceleration and/or jerking of the actuating element, the operating temperature of the electric drive and/or of the at least one axle also increases

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrictional heating: Viscous Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20240168446A1Method for operating an axle system, and axls system, computer program, computer-readable storage medium and data carrier signal
Publication Date: 2024.05.23 SCHUNK ELECTRONICS SOLUTIONS GMBH
  • US20240168446A1 patent drawing
  • US20240168446A1 patent drawing
  • US20240168446A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for operating an axle system (10) for a blank separator (12). The axle system (10) includes an axle (20, 32, 38), an actuating element (24, 30, 36), and an electric drive (26, 34). The actuating element (24, 30, 36) has an operating speed (vG) and/or acceleration (aG). The electric drive (26, 34) and/or the axle (20, 32, 38) have an operating temperature (TB) characterized by: determining a maximum permissible limit temperature (TG) of the electric drive (26, 34) and/or the axle (20, 32, 38); detecting the temperature (TB) of the electric drive (26, 34) and/or the axle (20, 32, 38); and determining a maximum permissible limit speed (vG) and/or limit acceleration (aG) of the actuating element (24, 30, 36) as a function of the maximum permissible limit temperature (TG) and the detected temperature (TB) of the electric drive (26, 34) and/or of the axle (20, 32, 38).