Drive Motor Feedforward Control for Torque Synchronization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial drive motors experience synchronization disturbances and unwanted forces due to varying torque demands, which can impair smooth operation and increase wear in mechanical systems.

Innovation Solution

A method where the drive control simulates the mechanical system using a simulation model to perform feedforward control, anticipating and mitigating increased torque demands, thereby preventing negative effects on motor smoothness and mechanical wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the drive control reacts to torque demands by adapting motor current or power, then the torque requirement is met, but synchronization and smooth running of the motor are impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor powerVSAvoidsynchronization
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The drive control performs a simulation of the mechanical system to determine future torque requirements in advance. Based on this predicted torque profile, the drive control preemptively adjusts the motor current or power before the torque demand actually occurs, rather than reacting after synchronization disturbances have already impaired motor smoothness. This preliminary action prevents synchronization issues before they manifest.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Force

If the drive control adapts motor current to meet torque demands, then the torque requirement is satisfied, but unwanted forces occur in the mechanical system

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetorqueVSAvoidunwanted forces
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drive control uses simulation to predict future torque requirements and preemptively adjusts motor current to match the predicted torque profile exactly. This prevents sudden torque changes that would generate unwanted forces in the mechanical system. By planning the torque application in advance based on simulated mechanical system behavior, the drive control delivers the necessary torque while avoiding harmful force spikes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Power

If reactive control is used to meet torque demands, then the torque requirement is met, but wear of mechanical components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor powerVSAvoidmechanical component wear
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The drive control simulates the mechanical system to determine future torque requirements and preemptively adjusts motor power delivery to match the predicted torque profile. This smooth, pre-planned power delivery avoids sudden torque changes and mechanical shocks that cause wear. By acting in advance based on simulation data rather than reacting to actual torque demands, the system protects mechanical components from excessive wear while still meeting all torque requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11942883B2Method of controlling a drive motor
Publication Date: 2024.03.26 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • US11942883B2 patent drawing
  • US11942883B2 patent drawing
  • US11942883B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of controlling a drive, in particular an electric drive, of an industrial machine, in which method a drive control controls a drive motor and the drive motor drives a mechanical system having one or more coupled components. The drive control carries out a simulation of the mechanical system of the machine with a simulation model and performs a feedforward control of the drive motor based on the simulation.