Encoder Origin Signal Generation via Software
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing encoder technologies face challenges in generating origin signals with high precision and repeatability, bidirectionality, and adaptable pulse widths, which are essential for modern high-resolution encoders.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating and outputting the origin signal by software, allowing flexible setting of the origin point and width, ensuring synchronization with the main signal, and using a programmable device to maintain consistent pulse width and position regardless of the detection head's direction, thus addressing positional shifts and compatibility with conventional encoders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an origin pattern is formed beside the incremental pattern on the scale, then the origin signal can be obtained, but the origin signal has poor repeatability and bidirectionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the origin detection function through software rather than relying on a physical origin pattern. The software-based origin detection replicates the origin signal generation process, ensuring consistent and repeatable results regardless of the physical origin pattern's characteristics or the detection head's direction of movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical origin detection system (relying on physical patterns and light reception) with a software-based system. This substitution eliminates the mechanical limitations of physical origin patterns, improving both repeatability and bidirectionality by using computational methods to generate the origin signal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the origin signal is generated using conventional methods, then the encoder structure is simple, but the origin signal width is fixed and cannot be adapted to necessary requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the origin signal parameters through software control. The origin signal width can be dynamically changed according to system requirements without modifying the physical encoder structure. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different application needs while maintaining a relatively simple hardware architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables changing the origin signal parameters (particularly width) through software configuration rather than physical modification. By allowing parameter changes in the origin signal characteristics, the system achieves versatility and adaptability without significantly increasing device complexity, as the changes are implemented through software rather than hardware redesign.
3Reliability
If the origin detection is performed repeatedly, then the origin position can be verified, but the origin signal position shifts slightly each time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a software-based virtual origin detection that creates a consistent, repeatable origin signal without the physical variations inherent in repeated optical detection. The software algorithm ensures that each origin detection yields the same position, eliminating the slight shifts that occur with physical detection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the software continuously monitors and adjusts the origin signal generation based on the detection head's position. This feedback loop ensures that the origin signal remains stable and consistent across multiple detections, correcting for any positional variations that might occur during repeated measurements.
4Measurement precision
If the origin signal is output synchronously with the main signal, then the timing is precise, but the pulse width cannot be made adaptable to necessary requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines synchronous timing with dynamic pulse width adjustment by using software control. The origin signal is generated synchronously with the main signal timing, but the pulse width can be dynamically adjusted according to system requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain precise timing while adapting the pulse width to different application needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables independent parameter adjustment of the origin signal pulse width while maintaining synchronous timing. By allowing parameter changes in the pulse width without affecting the timing synchronization, the system achieves both precise timing and flexible adaptability. The software-based approach allows these parameters to be adjusted independently of each other.
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 approach enhances the encoder's ability to provide repeatable, high-resolution, bidirectional origin signals with improved S/N ratio and ease of mounting, optimizing zero return time and maintaining compatibility with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a detection head 20 which includes a light source 22, an index scale 30, four main signal light-receiving devices 42, and an origin light-receiving device 44
Data Source
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AI summary
When generating an origin signal of an encoder having a scale on which an incremental pattern and the origin pattern are formed, an origin signal having a necessary position and width is generated by software based on an origin waveform obtained from the origin pattern. This enables origin detection with excellent repeatability, S/N ratio (pulse width), and bidirectionality while maintaining ease of mounting and adjustment.