Driving Apparatus with Segmented Scale for Rapid Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional driving apparatuses lack efficient position detection mechanisms, leading to prolonged time in detecting reference positions and requiring extensive movement to grasp the current position, which is problematic especially when external forces or noise interfere with the system.
Innovation Solution
A driving apparatus with a controller and detector system that uses alternately arranged first and second areas with different widths to quickly identify and move to specific positions, reversing direction when necessary to maintain accuracy and prevent edge abutment, allowing for efficient position detection and initialization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a constant fine scale is used for position detection, then the position detection mechanism is simplified, but it takes much time to detect the reference position and reset the position when lost
Solution Approach 1:
The scale is divided into multiple segments with different width characteristics. Specifically, the scale includes a first scale portion with first width and a second scale portion with second width different from the first width. This segmentation allows the detection sensor to quickly identify the reference position by detecting the unique width pattern, eliminating the need to traverse the entire scale range and significantly reducing initialization time.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the scale have different local characteristics (different widths). The first scale portion has a specific width while the second scale portion has a different width, creating unique local identifiers that enable rapid position identification. This local differentiation allows the system to quickly grasp current position information without extensive movement.
2Measurement precision
If the driven unit must drive to the reference position to reset after position loss, then position accuracy is maintained, but it takes much time to reset the position
Solution Approach 1:
The scale is pre-configured with distinctive width patterns (first width and second width) that encode position information. When the detection sensor encounters these predefined patterns, it can immediately identify the reference position and current position without needing to drive to extreme positions or perform extensive searching. This preliminary encoding of position information enables rapid reset while maintaining accuracy.
3Productivity
If the driven unit moves to a specific position quickly, then productivity is improved, but position detection accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical position detection mechanisms (such as encoders or potentiometers) with a simpler optical detection system that reads width patterns on the scale. This substitution allows for faster detection since the optical sensor can quickly identify position based on the width pattern without requiring slow mechanical traversal or complex signal processing, thus improving both speed and maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The driving apparatus includes: driving unit driving driven unit; controller controlling the driving unit; portion to be detected in which first areas and second areas are arranged alternately; and detector that detects the first and second areas. The portion includes, on one side of base position in a moving direction, first areas having small width and second areas having different widths larger than the first areas on the one side, and includes, on the other side, second areas having small width and first areas having different widths larger than the second areas on the other side. When moving the driven unit to specific position, the driven unit is driven in direction determined according to an area detected by the detector when starting the operation, and reverses the direction if the driven unit is moved by a predetermined amount or larger in the area after the detection area is changed.