Control Device Synchronizing Multi-Network Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network systems struggle to synchronize the operation of actuators across multiple networks when a single control device outputs control instructions, especially when the networks have different communication protocols and activation delays, leading to desynchronization of actuator operations.
Innovation Solution
A control device that acquires the required time for each network to execute control instructions, calculates the shift time between the shortest and other required times, and adjusts the output of control instructions to synchronize operations across networks, considering the specific activation times and communication protocols of each network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If control instructions are output to multiple networks simultaneously, then the control device can issue commands to all networks at the same time, but the actuators in different networks will execute at different times due to varying required times, causing desynchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The control device calculates the required time for each network in advance and determines the shift time before outputting control instructions. By preparing the timing offset beforehand, the device can output instructions to multiple networks simultaneously while ensuring they execute in synchronization, resolving the contradiction between efficient simultaneous output and precise synchronization.
2Manufacturing precision
If control instructions are output with shift time to synchronize actuators, then actuator synchronization is achieved, but the control device requires additional calculation and timing adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control device manages complexity by dynamically adjusting only the timing parameter (shift time) of control instructions rather than redesigning the overall control architecture. The device calculates required times and shift times as parameters, allowing simple temporal adjustments to achieve synchronization without adding complex hardware or structural modifications.
3Manufacturing precision
If the control device waits for the network with the longest required time, then all actuators can operate in synchronization, but the network with shorter required time experiences idle waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having networks wait idle, the control device calculates the required time for each network in advance and outputs control instructions with appropriate shift times beforehand. This allows faster networks to execute immediately without waiting, while slower networks receive their instructions at the optimal moment, eliminating idle waiting time while maintaining synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
In a control device which outputs control instructions at a constant cycle to each of a plurality of networks for executing a predetermined process according to the control instructions, a time (a required time) from when the control instruction is output to each of the plurality of networks until the predetermined process is executed is acquired for each of the plurality of networks. Among the plurality of required times, a difference (a shift time) between a short required time (required time of mounting head) and a long required time (required time of moving device) is calculated. When the shift time has elapsed after outputting the control instruction to the network of the moving device, the control instruction is output to the network of the mounting head.