End Effector Feedback Protection for Braking Voltage Spikes
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Solution Overview
Problem
End effectors with electric drives experience malfunction or destruction due to induced voltage during braking, posing safety risks and process disruptions, and external energy sources may shut down if feedback voltage is too high.
Innovation Solution
An end effector system with integrated feedback protection device that manages reverse currents by converting braking energy into heat, using load resistors and a control device to regulate voltage thresholds, ensuring reliable operation without external fuses or energy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the electric drive acts as a generator during braking, then the rotor induces an electrical voltage in the stator windings, but this induced feedback voltage can lead to malfunction or destruction of power and control electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful feedback voltage generated during braking into useful thermal energy by directing it through a load resistor to heat a thermal energy storage element. This transforms the potentially destructive electrical energy into stored thermal energy that can be reused, protecting electronics while recovering braking energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feedback protection device as an intermediary component between the electric drive and the power/control electronics. This device includes a load resistor and thermal energy storage element that mediate the energy flow, converting harmful electrical feedback into stored thermal energy and preventing direct exposure of sensitive electronics to excessive voltages.
2Ease of operation
If external energy sources supply the end effector with energy, then the end effector can operate, but external energy sources can enter error mode and shut down if the feedback voltage is too high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful feedback voltage that causes external power supplies to shut down into useful thermal energy. By dissipating the feedback voltage through the load resistor and storing it as thermal energy, the system prevents power supply errors while maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback protection device acts as an intermediary that isolates the external power supply from the harmful feedback voltage. The load resistor and thermal storage element serve as a buffer between the power supply and the regenerative braking energy, preventing voltage spikes from reaching the external energy source.
3Volume of moving object
If the end effector is configured to be battery-free and compact, then the size is reduced, but storing braking energy is neither practical nor possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition of thermal energy storage material (changing between solid and liquid phases) to store braking energy in a compact form. This allows significant energy storage capacity in a small volume, making it practical for battery-free compact end effectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for mechanical energy storage systems (like batteries or flywheels) with a thermal energy storage system. By converting electrical braking energy into thermal energy and storing it in a phase-change material, the system achieves compact energy storage without traditional mechanical components.
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
The system provides reliable operation by protecting internal and external electronics from excessive currents and voltages, reducing system complexity and enhancing safety and integration compactness.
Implementation Method 1
The braking energy is converted into thermal energy in at least one load resistor
Implementation Method 2
the drive acts as a generator during braking, with the rotor inducing an electrical voltage in the stator windings
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector for arrangement on a handling apparatus comprises an effector element movable by an electric drive, a feedback protection device integrated in the end effector for receiving and/or converting a feedback voltage during braking of the electric drive, and a control device for controlling the feedback protection device.