Linear Motor Positioning via Vector Regulation Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor-based methods for determining the position of moving travel units in transport systems, such as elevators, are costly and require a high density of RFID sensors, making them inefficient for systems with multiple travel units sharing a common path.
Innovation Solution
A method using a linear synchronous motor with stator units along the travel path and a rotor unit on the travel unit, where the absolute position is determined by analyzing regulating parameters of the vector regulation, allowing for position determination without additional sensors, and can be used in conjunction with other systems for redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor-based methods (RFID sensors) are used to determine position, then position determination is achieved, but installation cost increases and device complexity increases due to high density requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position determination function from separate sensor systems and integrates it into the existing linear motor control system. By utilizing regulating parameters (current, voltage, frequency) already present in the motor control, the system achieves position determination without requiring additional RFID sensors or other separate sensing infrastructure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear motor control system is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its primary function (driving the travel unit) and the secondary function (determining absolute position). The same control circuitry that regulates motor speed and torque now also computes position information from regulating parameters, eliminating the need for dedicated position sensing systems and reducing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are installed for position determination, then measurement precision improves, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts position determination capability from external sensor systems and embeds it within the existing motor control infrastructure. By computing position from regulating parameters already measured by the motor control system, no additional sensors need to be manufactured or installed, directly reducing installation cost while achieving high measurement precision through computational methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear motor control system serves itself by using its own regulating parameters to determine position. The control circuitry processes its own operational data (current, voltage, frequency) to compute absolute position, eliminating the need for external sensing systems and the associated installation costs, while maintaining high measurement precision through self-monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If sensor-based position determination is used, then position information is obtained, but the system becomes less cost-effective for multiple travel units
Solution Approach 1:
The motor control system is designed to be universally applicable across multiple travel units. Each travel unit's motor control circuit independently determines its own absolute position using its regulating parameters, enabling the system to scale to multiple units without requiring additional centralized sensing infrastructure, thereby improving cost-effectiveness and adaptability for multi-unit configurations while maintaining measurement precision.
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 method provides accurate position determination with increased accuracy, up to 1000 times more precise than rough position determination, without the need for additional sensors, enhancing safety and reducing installation costs, particularly in multi-elevator systems.
Implementation Method 1
The linear motor comprises, on the one hand, a plurality of stator units, which are installed along the travel path and are configured to provide a magnetic field which travels along the travel path
Implementation Method 2
stator units, which are installed along the travel path and are configured to provide a magnetic field which travels along the travel path
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for determining an absolute position of a moving travel unit of a stationary transport system, the travel unit movable along a travel path inside the system. The travel unit is driven by at least one linear motor along the path. The linear motor is a synchronous motor including a plurality of stator units installed along the travel path configured to provide a magnetic field traveling along the travel path. At least one rotor unit is attached to the travel unit and is configured to be driven along the travel path by the traveling magnetic field. Wherein respectively by analysis of regulating parameters of a vector regulation of the linear motor an active stator unit is determined from the plurality, which presently provides the magnetic field driving the rotor unit and a relative position of the rotor unit in relation to the active stator unit is computed.