Coupled Delivering Spiral Control Using a Virtual Motor Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product vending machines with coupled delivering spirals face challenges in dispensing large products due to the need for mechanical coupling, which is complicated and burdensome, especially when spirals are placed at a great distance, and rely on outdated methods for detecting motor rotation using micro-switches with limited wiring.
Innovation Solution
A control system that creates a virtual micro-switch and motor by aggregating signals from two separate motors and micro-switches, allowing electronic control apparatuses to manage both motors as a single unit without mechanical coupling, using embedded processing means to synchronize their rotations and provide an aggregate signal for rotation detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If two delivering spirals are mechanically coupled through gears to rotate synchronously, then both spirals can be controlled by a single motor, but the mechanical connection becomes extremely complicated and burdensome when spirals are placed at a great distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gear coupling system with an electronic control system. Two separate motors (5a, 5b) drive the two delivering spirals (9a, 9b) independently, with each motor equipped with its own micro-switch (13a, 13b) for rotation detection. The electronic control apparatus coordinates the motors through electrical signals, eliminating the need for complex mechanical connections between distant spirals.
2Device complexity
If micro-switches with two wires are used for motor control, then wiring is simplified, but the positioning signal detection becomes limited and less precise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply function and positioning signal detection function into the same two-wire connection. The micro-switches (13a, 13b) are integrated into the motor circuitry, allowing the same wires that supply power to the motors to also carry the positioning signals generated when the micro-switches detect cam notches. This merging eliminates additional wiring while maintaining positioning capability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the same diameter and pitch are used for both delivering spirals, then synchronized rotation is achieved, but the system cannot accommodate products of varying sizes effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the spiral parameters dynamic and adjustable. The electronic control apparatus can independently control the rotation speed, direction, and number of rotations of each motor (5a, 5b), allowing the delivering spirals (9a, 9b) to adapt to different product sizes and dispensing requirements while maintaining synchronized operation through electronic coordination rather than fixed mechanical constraints.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control system (1) for coupled delivering spirals (9a, 9b) is described, comprising at least one first electric motor (5a) operatively coupled, possibly by interposing a first motor-reducer (7a), to a first delivering spiral (9a); at least one second electric motor (5b) operatively coupled, possibly by interposing a first motor-reducer (7b), to a second delivering spiral 9b; at least one first micro-switch adapted to cooperate with a cam equipped with at least one notch and integral with a drive shaft of the first motor (5a) to measure its rotation depending on current interruptions; at least one second micro-switch adapted to cooperate with a cam equipped with at least one notch and integral with a drive shaft of the second motor (5b) to measure its rotation depending on current interruptions; first detecting means of at least one first signal (Sa) of the current interruptions detected and coming from the first micro-switch of the first motor (5a); second detecting means of at least one second signal (Sb) of the current interruptions detected and coming from the second micro-switch of the second motor (5b); processing means adapted to overlap the a first signal (Sa) and the second signal (Sb) to produce a third aggregate signal (Sv) of current interruptions detected by a virtual micro-switch of a virtual motor; transmitting means of the third signal (Sv) to electronic control apparatuses (3) of a product delivering machine, the electronic control apparatuses (3) being adapted to supply with current the virtual motor depending on the third signal (Sv), and the processing means being adapted to divide the current supply between the first motor (5a) and the second motor (5b) depending on the related first (Sa) and second (Sb) signal. A process for controlling coupled spirals (9a, 9b) is also described.