BLDC Mobility Assist Control for Smooth Speed Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobility assistance devices with brushless DC motors face challenges in accurately adjusting speed between low and medium speeds, leading to motor vibration and user discomfort due to inadequate torque and speed detection, which increases costs and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a mixed algorithm approach using Hall sensor angle compensation and sensorless control to estimate the rotor angle of the brushless DC motor, switching between algorithms based on speed to ensure accurate torque and speed adjustment, thereby reducing motor vibration and discomfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the motor device is directly switched between low speed and medium speed, then the speed adjustment requirement is met, but motor vibration occurs causing user discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed adjustmentVSAvoidmotor vibration
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic speed adjustment by dividing the speed transition into multiple intermediate steps rather than a direct switch. The control system dynamically calculates intermediate speed values between low and medium speeds, and transitions through these steps sequentially, allowing the motor to adapt gradually to speed changes and avoiding sudden torque variations that cause vibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic speed adjustment actions by implementing a stepwise transition process. The motor speed is adjusted in discrete time intervals through multiple intermediate steps, creating a periodic control pattern that smooths the transition and prevents harmful vibrations while still achieving the required speed change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Measurement precision

If expensive sensors and complex control systems are used to achieve accurate speed control, then control precision is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor and control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service control by using the motor's own back-EMF signals and current measurements to infer speed and position information. The control system processes these inherently available signals through algorithms to achieve accurate speed detection and control without requiring additional expensive sensors, making the system self-sufficient and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical sensing systems (such as encoders or Hall sensors) with an electronic control system that uses electrical measurements and mathematical algorithms to achieve speed detection. This substitution of mechanical sensing with electronic control reduces hardware complexity and cost while maintaining or improving measurement precision.

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

3Measurement precision

If high-performance motor control systems are implemented, then control accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing control algorithms that process only the necessary minimum information required for accurate speed control. The system selectively processes back-EMF signals and current measurements only when needed for speed transitions, avoiding continuous full-power processing and reducing overall power consumption while maintaining control accuracy during critical operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

This solution allows for accurate control of the brushless DC motor, reducing motor vibration, improving user comfort, and lowering construction costs and power consumption by optimizing the use of Hall sensors and sensorless control methods.

Implementation Method 1

a rotor angle sensor, and a sensing driver. The rotor angle sensor senses the angle of the brushless DC motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The brushless DC motor provides a supporting force to the at least one bracket

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12003199B2Mobility assistance device and driving method therof
Publication Date: 2024.06.04 WISTRON CORP
  • US12003199B2 patent drawing
  • US12003199B2 patent drawing
  • US12003199B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mobility assistance device and a driving method thereof are provided. The mobility assistance device includes at least one bracket and a driving device which drives the at least one bracket. The driving device includes a brushless direct current (DC) motor, a rotor angle sensor, and a sensing driver. The rotor angle sensor senses the angle of the brushless DC motor. The sensing driver uses a corresponding algorithm to estimate a corresponding angle corresponding to an angle velocity switching of the brushless DC motor. The corresponding angle is used as an angle of the brushless DC motor. The sensing driver drives the brushless DC motor according to the corresponding angle, so that the brushless DC motor provides supporting force to the at least one bracket.