Integrated Motor Control Apparatus for Multiple Brushless DC Motors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require multiple components and increased assembly time due to the need for separate operation circuits for each brushless DC motor, leading to space and efficiency issues in controlling multiple motors.
Innovation Solution
An integrated motor control apparatus with a communication interface and operation control unit that receives digital control commands and generates operation signals for multiple brushless DC motors, utilizing a single ASIC chip to control multiple motors efficiently, including feedback control for rotor position and rotation speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate operation circuits are provided for each brushless DC motor, then each motor can be controlled independently, but the number of components increases, assembly time becomes longer, and more space is needed on the printed circuit board
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate operation circuits into a single integrated operation circuit that can control multiple brushless DC motors. This single circuit includes a microcontroller and peripheral circuits that generate PWM signals for multiple motors, thereby reducing the total number of components while maintaining independent control capability for each motor through software-based motor identification and individual PWM channel allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation circuit is designed with universal functionality to control multiple different types of brushless DC motors (including main drive motors, feed motors, and sensor motors) through a single unified control architecture. The circuit can adapt to different motor types and configurations without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each motor, achieving multi-functionality while reducing component count.
2Ease of operation
If separate operation circuits are provided for each brushless DC motor, then each motor can be controlled independently, but assembly time becomes longer due to increased component count
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple operation circuits into one integrated unit, the patent reduces the number of discrete components that need to be individually assembled and configured. This single integrated circuit can be mounted as one component rather than multiple separate circuits, significantly reducing assembly time and complexity while preserving the ability to independently control each motor through software configuration.
3Ease of operation
If separate operation circuits are provided for each brushless DC motor, then each motor can be controlled independently, but more space is needed on the printed circuit board
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple operation circuits into a single integrated circuit module that occupies significantly less space on the printed circuit board. By integrating the microcontroller, PWM generation circuits, and motor control logic into one unified component, the board space required is reduced from multiple separate circuit footprints to a single compact module, while still providing independent control channels for multiple motors.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If brushless DC motors are used instead of traditional DC motors, then noise is reduced and lifespan is extended, but the control system becomes more complex requiring operation circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the control complexity of brushless DC motors by merging multiple motor control functions into a single integrated operation circuit. This unified circuit handles commutation, speed control, and position sensing for multiple brushless DC motors through coordinated PWM signal generation, thereby reducing the overall system complexity compared to having separate control circuits for each motor while maintaining the noise and lifespan advantages of brushless technology.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an engine unit to perform an image forming job, an engine control unit to control operation of the engine unit, a plurality of brushless direct current (BLDC) motors to operate the engine unit, a communication interface unit to receive a digital control command for the plurality of brushless DC motors from the engine control unit, a sensor unit to sense operation information of the plurality of brushless DC motors, an operation signal unit to generate an operation signal to control the plurality of brushless DC motors, and a speed control unit to control operation of the operation signal unit according to the received digital control command and sensing result of the sensor unit.