Electric Motor Braking System with Regenerative Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric motor braking systems fail to efficiently manage energy dissipation and storage during power failures, leading to potential damage from uncontrolled object movement and inefficient use of energy storage, especially when the object is not in a neutral position.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a controller with a switching network and dissipation resistor to dynamically or regeneratively brake the motor, using energy storage only when the object is close to a neutral position, and employing multiple braking modes to optimize energy use and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If energy storage is used to brake the motor during power failure, then the motor can be stopped, but the energy storage may be depleted before the object reaches a neutral position, causing uncontrolled movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system checks the object's position before initiating braking action. The controller determines whether the object is in a neutral position or can reach one within the available energy capacity of the energy storage device. This preliminary position assessment prevents energy depletion before reaching safety, resolving the contradiction between reliable braking and energy conservation.
2Loss of time
If the object is braked immediately upon power failure, then stopping time is reduced, but the object may be stopped in an unsafe position rather than a neutral position
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system dynamically adjusts its response based on real-time position feedback. The controller continuously monitors the object's position and determines the optimal braking strategy - either immediate braking if already near neutral position, or delayed braking if further movement toward neutral position is possible within energy constraints. This dynamic decision-making optimizes both stopping time and safe positioning.
3Reliability
If multiple braking modes are implemented, then braking options and safety are enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching network is designed to perform multiple braking functions using the same hardware components. The same switches and energy storage device can operate in different braking modes (regenerative braking, dynamic braking, or coasting) based on control signals from the controller. This multi-functionality enhances braking safety while minimizing the increase in physical system complexity.
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 ensures that the object is safely stopped in a neutral position, conserves energy storage, and utilizes beneficial momentum, while providing redundant braking options to enhance safety and reduce energy storage needs.
Implementation Method 1
the controller is configured to operate the dissipation switch such that energy from the motor is dissipated with the dissipation resistor
Implementation Method 2
The energy storage may be a capacitor (C1) or a battery
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An electric motor system having a power supply, an electric motor connected to the power supply, an object driven by the motor having a range of motion and a substantially neutral position within the range of motion, a power sensor configured to sense power from the power supply, a position sensor configured to sense position of the object in at least a portion of the range of motion, an energy storage, a controller connected to the power supply and the energy storage, wherein the controller is configured to brake the motor as a function of the position sensor, the neutral position and the power sensor.