Encoder Battery Power Management for Maintenance Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Encoder apparatuses in robot systems require frequent battery maintenance to retain multi-rotation information when the main power supply is off, which is inconvenient and costly.

Innovation Solution

The encoder apparatus incorporates a power supply system that uses a battery and an electric signal generation unit to intermittently power the multi-rotation information detector, allowing it to store and retrieve rotation position information even without external power, reducing the need for frequent battery replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a battery is used to hold multi-rotation information when external power is interrupted, then the encoder can retain position information, but the battery requires frequent maintenance and replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition information retentionVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by intermittently supplying power to the detection system only when necessary (when external power is interrupted) rather than continuously. The power supply unit detects external power status and activates the battery-powered detection system only during power interruption periods, thereby extending battery life and reducing maintenance frequency while still ensuring position information is retained when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Loss of information

If the detection system is continuously powered, then position information is always available, but energy consumption increases and battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition information availabilityVSAvoidbattery power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is powered periodically rather than continuously. The power supply unit monitors external power supply status and only activates the detection system when external power is interrupted, minimizing energy consumption from the battery while ensuring position information is available when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects external power supply status and self-regulates its power consumption by activating the battery-powered detection system only when external power is unavailable, without requiring manual intervention or continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution extends battery life and reduces maintenance frequency by dynamically powering the detector only when necessary, ensuring accurate initial posture retrieval upon power resumption.

Implementation Method 1

a battery (32) capable of supplying at least a part of power consumed by the position detection system (1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP3407025B1Encoder device, drive device, stage device, and robot device

Publication Date: 2023.11.15 NIKON CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(C)
Figure 3

AI summary

Provided is an encoder apparatus capable of reducing frequency of maintenance of a battery. An encoder apparatus (EC) includes: a position detection system (1) including a detector (13, 23) that detects position information on a mover (SF); an electric signal generator (31) that generates an electric signal in response to movement of the mover; and a battery (32) that supplies at least a part of power consumed by the position detection system in accordance with the electric signal generated by the electric signal generator.