Electronic control apparatus for an electric motor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic control systems for electric motors in drink dispensing plants are not adaptable to different refrigerator units, requiring dedicated modifications and leading to high resource expenditure and inefficiency, as they do not effectively modulate power based on temperature variations and are not easily transferable between units.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control apparatus with two temperature sensors and a central control unit that processes signals to adapt the electric motor's operation according to the specific characteristics of the refrigerator unit, using a processing unit to modulate the motor's power through a predefined duty-cycle, allowing for efficient operation across various units without reprogramming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the electric pump is programmed to manage temperature variations for specific refrigerator units, then the temperature control precision is improved, but the adaptability to different refrigerator units deteriorates requiring dedicated modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus changes operational parameters (duty cycle percentage) based on detected temperature values and predefined thresholds. The processing unit adjusts the motor power delivery by varying the duty cycle of power supply pulses, enabling precise temperature control while maintaining adaptability to different refrigerator units through software-based parameter adjustment rather than hardware modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the electric motor's power delivery by varying the duty cycle in real-time based on temperature feedback. The control apparatus continuously monitors temperature and modifies the power supply characteristics dynamically, allowing the same apparatus to adapt to different refrigerator units and operating conditions without dedicated modifications.
2Reliability
If dedicated modifications are made to electric pumps for different refrigerator units, then the reliability of temperature control is improved, but the resource expenditure and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus is designed as a universal device that can be installed on different refrigerator units without dedicated modifications. The processing unit and control algorithm handle various operating conditions and temperature requirements through software configuration rather than hardware changes, enabling one apparatus to serve multiple functions across different units reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus automatically detects temperature conditions and self-adjusts the motor power delivery through the processing unit. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-regulation based on detected parameters, eliminating the need for manual intervention or specialized operator modifications when deploying to different refrigerator units.
3Device complexity
If the electric motor rotates at predetermined speed, then the simplicity of the drive system is improved, but the ability to modulate power according to temperature deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit converts the static predetermined speed operation into dynamic speed modulation by varying the duty cycle of power supply to the electric motor. This enables the motor speed and power delivery to be continuously adjusted according to detected temperature values, maintaining system simplicity while achieving adaptive power modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus uses periodic pulse-width modulation (PWM) to deliver power to the electric motor. By varying the duty cycle of periodic power pulses rather than using continuous analog control, the system achieves precise power modulation while maintaining simple digital control circuitry and avoiding complex analog components.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Electronic control apparatus (10) for an electric motor (11) associated with a refrigerator unit (12) comprising a central control unit (14) installed in the refrigerator unit (12) and configured to receive at least a control signal (S1) from one or more sensors (15) associated with the refrigerator unit, and to supply on exit a command signal (S2) able to command a processing unit (16), also considering the characteristics of said refrigerator unit (12), the processing unit being configured to receive and process the command signal (S2) in order to obtain a drive signal (S3) for the electric motor (11).