Brake Drive Control Device Short Circuit Failure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brake drive and control devices for industrial robots require additional time to detect short circuit failures in switching elements due to the need for multiple operations to turn on and off switching elements.
Innovation Solution
A brake drive and control device with a first and second switching element, a voltage detection unit, a switch command delay unit, and a short circuit failure determination unit that uses a comparator and NOT gate to delay the switch command and determine short circuit failures based on brake voltage and switch command levels, reducing the time needed for detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple on-off operations of switching elements are performed to detect short circuit failure, then detection reliability is improved, but detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the detection function during the normal brake drive operation itself. The detection unit monitors the brake voltage during the brake drive period when the switching elements are already being operated, rather than requiring separate dedicated detection operations. This allows short circuit failure detection to be integrated into the existing brake control timeline, eliminating additional detection time while maintaining reliability through continuous monitoring during critical operation phases.
2Reliability
If two switching elements are used to detect short circuit failure, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the switching elements to serve dual purposes: they function as normal brake control switches during operation and simultaneously serve as detection subjects for short circuit failure monitoring. The detection unit monitors these same switching elements during their normal operation, allowing one component to fulfill multiple functions. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated detection components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive failure detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A first switching element is connected to one end of a brake and switches from the off state to the on state when a switch command is input to cause a brake drive current to flow through the brake. A second switching element is connected to the other end of the brake and switches from the off state to the on state when the switch command is input to cause a brake drive current to flow through the brake. A voltage detection unit detects a brake voltage being applied to the brake. A switch command delay unit delays the switch command input to the first switching element. A short circuit determination unit determines whether or not a short circuit has occurred in the first switching element based on the brake voltage and the switch command delayed by the switch command delay unit.