Electronic Clock Rotor Detection Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic clocks with step motors face challenges in accurately detecting rotor rotation, especially when a second hand with a large moment of inertia is used, leading to erroneous detection and increased current consumption, which reduces battery life.
Innovation Solution
The electronic clock employs a modified rotation detection system that adjusts the determination period of the second detection mode based on the first detection mode's determination time, using a combination of changing the number of detection trials and the cycle of detection pulses to improve accuracy and reduce erroneous corrections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a second hand with a large moment of inertia is used, then the clock can display time more prominently, but the rotor rotation detection becomes inaccurate leading to erroneous detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the detection system adaptive rather than static. The determination period is dynamically adjusted based on the detection results of the first detection mode. When the rotor takes longer to exceed the magnetic potential mountain (indicating higher load from large moment of inertia), the system automatically extends the determination period in the second detection mode, allowing sufficient time for accurate detection despite the increased inertia.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of determination period based on detection conditions. Specifically, the determination period is set to a longer duration when the first detection mode indicates delayed rotor response, and shortened when the rotor responds quickly. This parameter adjustment allows the system to accommodate varying moments of inertia while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the determination period in the second detection mode is extended to accommodate larger moments of inertia, then detection accuracy improves, but current consumption increases and battery life reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the determination period duration based on real-time detection conditions from the first detection mode. Rather than using a fixed extended period that would always consume more energy, the system only extends the period when necessary (when the rotor takes longer to exceed magnetic potential), and uses a shorter period when the rotor responds quickly, thus optimizing energy consumption while maintaining accuracy when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The determination period parameter is changed adaptively rather than being fixed. The system selects between a longer determination period and a shorter determination period based on the rotor's response characteristics detected in the first detection mode, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption while ensuring accurate detection for high-inertia loads when required.
3Device complexity
If a fixed determination period is used in the second detection mode, then the detection process is simple, but it cannot accurately detect rotation for second hands with varying moments of inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptation into the detection process by using the results from the first detection mode to determine the appropriate determination period for the second detection mode. This creates a two-stage adaptive process that maintains relative simplicity while significantly improving accuracy for varying moments of inertia, avoiding the need for complex multi-parameter adjustment systems.
4Reliability
If the first detection mode is performed before the second detection mode, then erroneous detection signals are prevented, but the overall detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the first detection mode before the second detection mode. The first detection mode quickly checks whether the rotor has exceeded the magnetic potential mountain, providing preliminary information that determines the necessary determination period for the second detection mode. This preliminary action prevents erroneous detections while optimizing the subsequent detection time based on the initial results.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection process uses periodic action with two distinct detection modes executed in sequence. The first detection mode uses a shorter periodic cycle to quickly assess rotor status, and based on this assessment, the second detection mode adjusts its periodic action accordingly. This structured periodic approach balances reliability with time efficiency.
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 approach enhances the accuracy of rotor rotation detection, reduces unnecessary corrections, and conserves battery life by optimizing the detection process for second hands with larger moments of inertia.
Implementation Method 1
an induced voltage generated in the coil is detected at an end of the coil
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic clock makes no erroneous determination of rotation detection and suppresses unnecessary current consumption even when being provided with a second hand having a large moment of inertia. The electronic clock uses a first detection mode determination circuit and a second detection mode determination circuit to perform the rotation detection. The electronic clock includes a determination selecting circuit as changing means for changing the determination period of the second detection mode in accordance with the determination period of the first detection mode. Even when the current waveform is disturbed, erroneous determinations are prevented in a way that the determination terminal of the second detection mode is shortened if the first detection mode terminates earlier. The determination period is changed by the determination selecting circuit selecting either one of a seven-time detection/determination circuit that terminates the determination after seven detection pulses or a six-time detection/determination circuit that terminates the determination after six detection pulses. Alternatively, instead of the number of detection pulses, a cycle of the detection pulses may be shortened.