Encoder System Eliminates Battery via Dual-Position Data Combination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional encoder systems require an external battery to store absolute position information, leading to frequent maintenance needs and limitations in operation, especially when not in use.

Innovation Solution

An encoder system comprising a motor, a first single-rotation absolute encoder, a power transmission device, and a second single-rotation absolute encoder, with a signal processing circuit that combines positional data from both encoders to generate multiple-rotation information without the need for an external battery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a multiple-rotation absolute encoder with external battery is used to obtain multiple-rotation information, then absolute position tracking is maintained, but maintenance frequency increases and operational reliability decreases due to battery replacement needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the encoder system into two separate single-rotation absolute encoders: one on the motor shaft and one on the output shaft. Each encoder independently tracks position within its rotation range, eliminating the need for a single complex multiple-rotation encoder with battery. The segmentation allows each encoder to be simpler and maintenance-free while collectively providing multiple-rotation information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-encoder configuration serves multiple functions: the first encoder tracks motor shaft position, the second encoder tracks output shaft position, and their combined data provides both absolute position information and multiple-rotation counting capability. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for a specialized multiple-rotation encoder with battery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a single-rotation absolute encoder is used without external battery, then maintenance is reduced, but multiple-rotation information cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance frequencyVSAvoidmultiple-rotation information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a position data combination circuit as an intermediary that processes and combines position data from both single-rotation encoders. This combination circuit generates multiple-rotation information by correlating the position data from the motor shaft encoder and the output shaft encoder, thereby recovering the multiple-rotation information that would otherwise be lost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/battery-based multiple-rotation absolute encoder system with an electronic signal processing system. Instead of relying on a mechanical encoder with battery power to store multiple-rotation data, the system uses electronic combination of signals from two single-rotation encoders to generate multiple-rotation information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If an external battery is used to store absolute position information, then position tracking is maintained during power off, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition tracking capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the battery component from the encoder system entirely. By using two single-rotation absolute encoders that do not require battery power for multiple-rotation tracking, the system eliminates the external battery while maintaining position tracking capability through electronic signal combination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-encoder system is self-sufficient and does not require external battery power. Each single-rotation absolute encoder maintains its position information without battery, and the combination circuit processes their signals to provide continuous multiple-rotation tracking without any consumable components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9823091B2Encoder system, signal processing method, and transmission signal generation and output device

Publication Date: 2017.11.21 NIKON CORP

AI summary

An encoder system includes a signal processing circuit including: (1) a first position data detection circuit that detects first position data representing positional displacement in rotation of an input shaft through first predetermined signal processing based on a first detection signal input from a first absolute position encoder; (2) a second position data detection circuit that detects second position data representing positional displacement in rotation of an output shaft through second predetermined signal processing based on a second detection signal input from a second absolute position encoder; (3) a position data combination circuit that combines the first and second position data to generate combined position data representing the number of rotations of the input shaft and the positional displacement within one rotation of the input shaft; and (4) a position data comparing and collating circuit that compares and collates the first and second position data.