Distributed Multiaxial Handling Control via Virtual Axes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current control systems for complexes of multiaxial handling devices and conveyor facilities lack flexibility and reliability, requiring multiple encoder signal linkages and additional cabling, which limits their operational efficiency and availability.
Innovation Solution
A method and data storage medium that model guide values for multidimensional movements using technology objects, enabling synchronous operation across distributed control systems, eliminating the need for multiple encoder readings and additional cabling, and allowing for virtual axes to enhance flexibility and fault tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple encoder signal linkages are used to synchronize handling devices with conveyor facilities, then synchronization precision is improved, but device complexity and cabling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple encoder signal linkages into a single encoder signal that is shared across all handling devices. Instead of each device having its own encoder linkage to the conveyor facility, one encoder signal is distributed to multiple devices, reducing cabling complexity while maintaining synchronization precision through the shared reference signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The single encoder signal serves multiple functions simultaneously - it provides synchronization reference for multiple handling devices, eliminates the need for separate linkages, and reduces overall system complexity. The encoder signal becomes a universal reference that all devices can use for their respective synchronization needs.
2Reliability
If distributed control systems are used for handling devices, then system flexibility and fault tolerance are improved, but communication delays and coordination complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and buffering movement data before it is needed. When synchronization events occur, the buffered data is already prepared and ready for immediate transmission, eliminating the need for real-time calculations during critical moments and reducing communication delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control unit that acts as a mediator between the encoder signal and multiple handling devices. This intermediary receives the single encoder signal, processes the synchronization requirements, and distributes coordinated commands to all devices, reducing direct communication overhead and delays between devices and the conveyor facility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual axes are implemented in the control model, then adaptability and flexibility are improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical axes through virtual axis models. These virtual axes replicate the behavior and characteristics of physical conveyor facility axes, allowing handling devices to be programmed and controlled as if they were directly connected to the conveyor, even when using distributed control. This copying approach provides flexibility without requiring complex real-time calculations.
Data Source
AI summary
A control method for a complex consisting of a plurality of multiaxial handling devices arranged in succession and/or side by side, is provided. A complex consisting of a plurality of multiaxial handling devices, arranged in succession and/or side by side, for the execution of multidimensional working and/or handling movements and consisting of at least one conveyor facility for transporting objects is controlled. The handling devices are provided for picking up, processing and setting down the objects being transported along. The guide value for the multidimensional movement sequence of handling devices is modeled on one or more objects transported along by a conveyor facility as a guide value in a distributed multiaxial system with synchronous operation, such as for example in the case of a printing machine, a paper mill or rolling mill or the like.