Integrated Controller Motor Conveyor Roller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor-driven conveyor roller control systems require complex programming and are prone to malfunctions due to external control unit damage or connectivity issues, making them difficult to implement and maintain, especially in decentralized systems with extensive cabling.
Innovation Solution
A motor-driven conveyor roller with a control unit integrated within the roller body that receives status signals to autonomously control the drive unit, eliminating the need for external control units and enabling direct signal transmission through a hollow axle, allowing for robust and reliable autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a decentralized control system with multiple control units is used, then autonomy and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cabling effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is merged with the roller body to form an integrated assembly. The control unit is arranged directly in the roller body, eliminating the need for separate external control units and reducing cabling complexity while maintaining decentralized control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
A hollow axle element serves as an intermediary structure that provides a protected pathway for signal lines. The signal line is routed through the hollow axle from outside the roller body to the control unit inside, protecting the connection while simplifying installation
2Ease of operation
If control units are mounted externally and connected via cables, then installation flexibility is improved, but vulnerability to damage and malfunction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is integrated within the roller body rather than mounted externally. This merging protects the control unit from physical damage and environmental factors while reducing connection points that could fail, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing installation flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is protected from damage by being housed within the roller body structure. The hollow axle provides a protected pathway for signal lines, cushioning them from physical damage before they reach the control unit, preventing malfunctions before they occur
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex programming is used to achieve advanced control functionalities, then system capability is improved, but ease of programming and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated control unit enables the roller to autonomously control its own drive unit based on status signals it receives. The control unit independently generates control signals and manages drive characteristics without requiring complex external programming, simplifying both implementation and maintenance while maintaining advanced control capabilities
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a motor-operated conveyor roller, comprising a rolling body which is rotatably mounted about a rolling axis, a drive unit which is arranged within the rolling body and which is designed to generate a rotational movement about the rolling axis between an axis element and the rolling body. The invention is characterized by a control unit which is arranged within the rolling body and which is designed to receive a state signal from outside of the rolling body, generate a control signal which describes a drive characteristic on the basis of the state signal, actuate the drive unit using the control signal, generate a self-state signal which describes the state signal and/or the drive characteristic, and transmit the self-state signal back outside of the rolling body.