Control Device for Non-Linear Gear Drives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling the movement of machine elements in machines with non-linear gearing are complex and require significant machine knowledge, as they must adhere to technical limitations like maximum speeds and torques, making simple point-to-point movements difficult and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A control device method that accepts movement characteristics of machine elements as functions of their position, incorporating non-linear gearing and drive limitations to determine optimal displacement functions, allowing for efficient specification of movements while adhering to technical constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If movement characteristics are specified as a function of drive position in machines with non-linear gearing, then the control can account for drive limitations, but the configuration becomes complex and requires high machine knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by specifying movement characteristics as a function of machine element position rather than drive position. The control device receives characteristics defining the desired movement of the machine element and automatically determines the corresponding drive trajectory using the stored non-linear gear function, reversing the traditional control logic to simplify operator interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary that automatically performs the complex coordinate transformation between machine element position space and drive position space. By storing the non-linear gear function and using it to calculate the required drive trajectory, the control device mediates between the simple operator input (machine element characteristics) and the complex drive control requirements.
2Ease of operation
If simple point-to-point movements are implemented in machines with non-linear gearing, then the operation is easier, but achieving optimal movement requires lengthy iterative processes
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary calculations by storing the non-linear gear function and using it to automatically determine the optimal drive trajectory before execution. This preliminary action eliminates the need for operators to perform iterative adjustments during operation, as the optimal movement path is pre-calculated based on the stored gear characteristics and desired machine element movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device serves itself by automatically performing the complex transformations and calculations required to convert simple machine element movement specifications into precise drive control commands. The system uses its own stored non-linear gear function to self-determine the optimal drive trajectory without requiring external iterative adjustment by the operator.
3Reliability
If the control device specifies movements in the drive's domain, then drive limitations are considered, but the operator must work with complex drive position functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional control approach by allowing operators to specify movement characteristics in the machine element's position domain rather than the drive's position domain. The control device then automatically performs the inverse transformation using the stored non-linear gear function to determine the corresponding drive trajectory, making the operator interface as simple as specifying machine element positions while still ensuring drive constraint compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device serves as an intermediary that automatically handles the complex coordinate transformation between machine element position space and drive position space. Operators interact with the simple machine element domain, while the control device mediates by using the stored non-linear gear function to calculate the corresponding drive commands that automatically comply with drive limitations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves taking characteristics of displacement of a machine element as a function of position of the machine element via a user interface. A displacement function for a drive e.g. hydro motor, of the machine element is determined, based on the characteristics in connection with limitations of the drive and corresponding non-linear function of a non-linear gear, such that the drive moves corresponding to the characteristics. The drive is adjusted by the non-linear gear, and the drive is controlled corresponding to the determined displacement function. An independent claim is also included for a computer program for a control device, with instructions for operating the control device.