Segmented Linear Motor Stator Control for Force and Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear motor technologies face challenges in efficiently controlling the power supply to segmented stator sections as a translating secondary moves relative to a fixed primary, particularly in managing current flow and inductance variations in partially covered sections, which affects force production and position determination.
Innovation Solution
A control arrangement that dynamically connects only the stator sections in the vicinity of the translating secondary to the power supply, using switches and a modulating means to adjust voltage based on coverage, and employs inductance measurement and filtering to determine active sections and position, allowing for efficient force distribution and position tracking without sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If all stator sections are connected to the power supply continuously, then the force production is maintained, but the energy consumption increases and current surges occur in partially covered sections
Solution Approach 1:
The stator is divided into multiple independently controllable sections, allowing selective energization of only those sections currently interacting with the translating secondary. This segmentation enables the system to maintain force production in active zones while eliminating energy waste in inactive zones, directly resolving the contradiction between continuous force maintenance and energy consumption reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which stator sections are connected to the power supply based on the real-time position of the translating secondary. By continuously monitoring position and adjusting the active sections accordingly, the system maintains optimal force production while minimizing energy consumption, preventing both continuous operation waste and force production gaps.
2Use of energy by moving object
If switches are used to connect only nearby stator sections to the power supply, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stator is divided into multiple independently controllable sections, allowing selective energization of only those sections currently interacting with the translating secondary. This segmentation enables the system to maintain force production in active zones while eliminating energy waste in inactive zones, directly resolving the contradiction between continuous force maintenance and energy consumption reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which stator sections are connected to the power supply based on the real-time position of the translating secondary. By continuously monitoring position and adjusting the active sections accordingly, the system maintains optimal force production while minimizing energy consumption, preventing both continuous operation waste and force production gaps.
3Ease of operation
If the voltage supply to partially covered stator sections is not modulated, then the control simplicity is maintained, but the current flow becomes too high causing force inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The system modulates the voltage supply parameter to partially covered stator sections based on their degree of coverage. By adjusting the voltage parameter dynamically according to the translating secondary's position, the system maintains consistent current flow and force production across all active sections, resolving the contradiction between control simplicity and force consistency.
4Measurement precision
If inductance measurement and filtering are employed to determine active sections, then the position determination accuracy is improved, but the measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the inherent inductance variations of the stator sections themselves as the measurement mechanism. By measuring the inductance of each section and comparing it to reference values, the system determines the position of the translating secondary without requiring external sensors. This self-service approach improves position accuracy while avoiding the complexity of separate measurement systems.
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 solution ensures consistent force production per unit length across active stator sections, reduces current surges in partially covered sections, and accurately determines the position of the translating secondary, enhancing the motor's efficiency and control precision.
Implementation Method 1
employing inductance measurement and filtering to determine active sections and position
Implementation Method 2
modulating the voltage supply to these partially covered stator sections by using the switch connecting the stator section to the power supply to switch the stator section on and off the supply with a duty cycle related to the degree of coverage
Implementation Method 3
a linear motor having a fixed primary that is divided into a number of sections and has a translating secondary
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a linear electric motor having a fixed primary comprising a stator divided into a number of sections, including a translating secondary having an operative length longer than any two adjacent sections of the stator in the form of a reaction plate, and a connecting means for connecting only those sections of the stator that are at least partially covered by the reaction plate. The position of the reaction plate relative to the stator is determined by monitoring current in the active representative sections. Power is supplied to each stator section individually, with power supplied in a modulated manner to end active stator sections only partially covered by the reaction plate. A measurement of the current to the active representative section is used to control output voltage to all energized stator sections and is used to determine the change in position of the reaction plate.