Brake Coil Control Circuit for Drive Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive systems with electric motors and brakes lack adequate safety measures for reliable operation and functional checks, particularly in ensuring the proper functioning of brakes and motor control circuits.

Innovation Solution

A drive system with a motor and two redundantly effective brakes, each with a brake coil energized by an electronic circuit, utilizing two switches controlled by separate circuits for voltage regulation and functional checks, ensuring safe operation by alternately checking the switches and brake coils, and using a converter-fed electric motor for efficient power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single switch is used to control the brake coil voltage supply, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the brake system decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake system reliabilityVSAvoidswitch control circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing different functional characteristics in different parts of the control system. The first switch (S1) is designed for normal brake control operation, while the second switch (S2) is specifically designed for safety functions and functional checks. This differentiation allows each switch to be optimized for its specific role, improving overall reliability without requiring complete redundancy of the entire control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action through functional checks that are performed periodically on the switches and brake coils. The control circuit actively monitors the operational status of S1 and S2 before critical failures occur, and can detect defects in the brake coils. This preliminary detection allows the system to switch to safe operating modes or alert operators before reliability is compromised.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If functional checks are performed on switches and brake coils, then the reliability is improved, but the loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake system reliabilityVSAvoidfunctional check time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by performing functional checks at predetermined intervals rather than continuously. The control circuit is configured to periodically apply test signals to the switches and brake coils, and to periodically evaluate their operational status. This periodic approach maintains reliability through regular monitoring while minimizing interference with normal drive operation and reducing time losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If two switches are used in series for brake coil control, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake coil control reliabilityVSAvoidvoltage supply circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing a control circuit that is specifically designed to handle the complexities of dual-switch control. The control circuit includes built-in functional check capabilities that automatically monitor the status of both switches and the brake coils, providing a safety buffer against failures. This预先 prepared control architecture cushions the system against the reliability risks that would otherwise result from the increased circuit complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The solution provides enhanced safety and reliability by ensuring the de-energized state of the brake coil with high reliability, allowing for efficient voltage regulation and functional checks, thereby preventing malfunction and ensuring the drive system operates in a safe state.

Implementation Method 1

at least one brake (B) comprising at least one brake coil (13, 14) which can be energized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetism: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP2359466B1Method for operating a drive and drive
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2359466B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2359466B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2359466B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a drive and a drive, wherein the drive comprises at least one motor having a rotor shaft that can be loaded by a brake torque created by at least one brake comprising a powered brake coil, wherein the brake coil is arranged in series with two switches by which the coil current can be controlled, wherein the first switch is activated by a first control circuit and the second switch is activated by a second control circuit, wherein the switches are opened to produce the unpowered state of the brake coil and one of the two switches periodically receives a control signal, particularly briefly, to attain the closed state in this period, wherein an inspection of the effect of this respective control signal takes place and, in the case of a negative result of the inspection, warning information is output and/or the drive is transferred to a secure state and/or deactivation of the drive is carried out.