Linear Drive Control via Virtual Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear drive systems face complexity in establishing movement patterns, particularly in transporting goods between machine stations, requiring intricate control and coordination of multiple segments and rotors.
Innovation Solution
A method that specifies movement patterns for rotors in linear drives by transforming them into virtual axes, which are then converted into real axis specifications for control units, allowing for simplified control and regulation of rotor movement across segments, enabling efficient transportation of goods between machine stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional control methods are used for linear drives with multiple segments and rotors, then the system can transport goods between machine stations, but the control complexity and coordination difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a master control device that acts as an intermediary between the operator and multiple slave control devices. The master control device receives movement pattern specifications, transforms them into coordinated control signals, and distributes them to slave control devices. This intermediary structure simplifies the operator's task while managing the complexity of coordinating multiple segments and rotors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple segments and rotors into a unified control architecture. The master control device consolidates the coordination of multiple slave control devices, transforming individual segment control into a unified movement pattern specification. This merging approach reduces the operational complexity by allowing control through a single interface rather than managing each component separately.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control devices are used for each segment in the linear drive, then each segment can be controlled independently, but the overall system complexity and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into a hierarchical structure with one master control device and multiple slave control devices. Each slave control device maintains independence for its assigned segment, preserving control flexibility. The master control device coordinates these segments through a standardized communication interface, managing the overall system complexity without sacrificing individual segment adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The master control device serves multiple functions: it receives movement pattern specifications, transforms them into coordinated control signals, manages communication with multiple slave control devices, and handles the coordination of segments and rotors. This universal control entity manages the system complexity while allowing each slave control device to maintain its specialized function for segment control.
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 simplifies the control of linear drives by allowing intuitive specification and adaptation of movement patterns, reducing vibration during transitions and enabling cost-effective extension of linear drive systems, while maintaining accurate positioning and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
areas that encompass a number of sequentially arranged stators of linear motors
Data Source
AI summary
A control device, linear drive, production- or packaging machine, computer program product and method for controlling movement of at least one rotor in the linear drive, wherein a user or a machine station specifies the movement pattern to the control device to specify the movement, where the specified movement pattern is associated with virtual axes, particularly via the computer program product, the movement pattern is advantageously automatically associated with virtual axes subsequently associated with real axes, a control unit, i.e., a converter, controls movement of the rotor on the segment of the linear drive and the control unit supplies at least one segment with electrical voltage or current, where the segments as part of the linear drive therefore move the rotors in accordance with the specifications of the movement pattern, where such an association occurs automatically, and the user is relieved of this task during specification of the movement pattern.