Motion Control Timing Models for Open Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motion control networks face limitations due to time slotting protocols, which restrict flexibility, require extensive configuration, and cannot accommodate dynamic data structures or nodes added/removed during runtime, leading to inefficient bandwidth usage and costly downtime.
Innovation Solution
A time stamping protocol is implemented to enable motion control over open networks like Ethernet, allowing for variable-sized data packets, synchronized clocks across nodes, and dynamic data structures, with a balanced update cycle that prioritizes motion-related data and allows for non-motion data transmission during calculation intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If time slotting protocol is used for motion control, then synchronized motion control is achieved, but network flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic data structures that can be modified at runtime without requiring network reconfiguration. Nodes can be added or removed during operation, and data packet sizes can be dynamically adjusted based on actual needs, transforming the rigid time slotting approach into a flexible system that maintains synchronization while adapting to changing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing of network parameters such as data packet sizes, update frequencies, and node configurations without stopping the motion control operation. This enables the network to adapt its parameters dynamically while maintaining the synchronized control function, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
2Reliability
If time slotting protocol is used for motion control, then deterministic data transmission is achieved, but device complexity and configuration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic node discovery and integration mechanisms that eliminate manual configuration requirements. When new nodes are added to the network, they automatically register themselves, receive appropriate configuration parameters, and integrate into the motion control system without requiring manual setup or network reconfiguration, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining deterministic transmission.
3Reliability
If time slotting protocol is used for motion control, then coordinated motion is achieved, but bandwidth utilization efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits only the necessary data packets at each update interval rather than forcing all nodes to transmit fixed-size packets regardless of actual data needs. This partial action approach sends minimal required data while maintaining coordinated motion control, improving bandwidth utilization efficiency without sacrificing the reliability of coordinated motion.
4Reliability
If time slotting protocol is used for motion control, then synchronized update cycle is achieved, but network downtime increases when nodes are added or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary registration and configuration mechanisms that allow nodes to prepare for network integration before actually joining. New nodes can pre-establish communication channels and synchronize their internal clocks before becoming active participants in the motion control network, enabling hot-swapping without interrupting the synchronized update cycle and eliminating network downtime.
Data Source
AI summary
The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate utilizing a motion control timing model to coordinate operations associated with controlling motion within an industrial automation environment. For example, a cycle timing component can implement timing set forth by a timing model (e.g., that can be selected, preset, . . . ). Pursuant to an illustration, the cycle timing component can utilize the timing model to coordinate transmitting data, receiving data, performing calculations associated with data (e.g., to generate command(s)), capturing data, applying received commands, and so forth.