Linear Motor PWM Communication via Electromagnet Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems in multi-carrier systems and linear motors require separate, complex installations for wireless communication between movable components, necessitating additional hardware components.
Innovation Solution
A position transmitter system that uses a combination of permanent and adjustable electromagnets to modulate magnetic fields for both position detection and information transmission, leveraging existing hardware and minimizing additional components, with control mechanisms to adjust magnetic field strengths and phases for data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate wireless communication systems are installed for communication between movable components, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines communication functionality with the existing drive system by using the same electromagnets that provide mechanical drive forces. The electromagnets serve dual purposes: generating mechanical motion and transmitting communication signals through magnetic field modulation, thereby eliminating the need for separate communication hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnets in the drive system are made multi-functional by enabling them to perform both mechanical drive operations and communication tasks. By modulating the magnetic field strength or frequency during normal operation, the same hardware components transmit data without requiring dedicated communication devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional hardware components are added for communication, then communication capability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is merged with the existing drive hardware, using the same electromagnet components for both mechanical actuation and signal transmission. This integration eliminates additional manufacturing steps and hardware assembly requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing drive system components serve their own additional function by enabling communication without external assistance. The electromagnets self-modulate their magnetic fields to encode and transmit communication signals, eliminating the need for separate communication hardware installation.
3Device complexity
If existing hardware components are utilized for communication, then device complexity is reduced, but communication precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses partial modulation of the electromagnet activity, where only specific portions of the magnetic field cycles are modulated for communication purposes while maintaining sufficient drive force. This selective modulation ensures that communication signals are detectable without significantly compromising mechanical performance or precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Communication signals are transmitted by modulating parameters of the existing magnetic field, such as frequency, amplitude, or phase, rather than requiring separate communication hardware. These parameter variations are superimposed on the normal drive operation, enabling precise communication through controlled changes in magnetic field characteristics.
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
Enables efficient, simple communication between stator and rotor or rail and carriage without the need for additional hardware, utilizing existing components and ensuring reliable data transfer through modulated magnetic fields.
Implementation Method 1
Each electromagnet has an iron core 175, 177 and an electromagnet winding or coil 174, 178 on it
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic field sensor is present on the rail or stator, which is designed to detect a magnetic field strength amplitude
Data Source
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AI summary
A control device (303) for controlling the supply of electromagnets (12) of an electric drive, in particular a linear motor stator (300), with electrical power, has a control device (303) with a first control component (306a) which is designed to cause the generation of first PWM control signals for controlling the current supply to the electromagnets according to a drive setpoint, and with a second control component (306b) which is designed to cause the generation of the first PWM control signals to be converted into a generation of other second PWM control signals according to information to be transmitted.