Motor Braking Resistor Control for Multi-Phase Shorting Torque

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric motor braking systems face issues with non-constant and suboptimal braking torque during multi-phase shorting, which can lead to safety concerns in applications like mobile robots and automatic guided vehicles, and require separate certification for multiple encoders, increasing time and expense.

Innovation Solution

A system using braking resistors and pulse width modulating bypass switches to adapt equivalent average stator resistance, optimizing braking torque through most of the deceleration speed range, with a feedback system to monitor switch failures and engage an electromechanical brake if necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional multi-phase shorting is used to brake the motor, then the braking system is simple, but the braking torque is non-constant and suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking system complexityVSAvoidbraking torque consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the stator resistance adjustable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically modifies the equivalent stator resistance based on motor speed to maintain optimal braking torque across the entire deceleration range. This is achieved through pulse-width modulation of bypass switches that selectively connect or disconnect braking resistors, transforming the static resistance into a dynamic parameter that adapts to changing operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical resistance parameter of the stator circuit to optimize braking performance. By introducing adjustable braking resistors and using pulse-width modulation to vary the equivalent resistance, the system transforms the fixed resistance characteristic into a variable parameter. This allows the braking torque to be maintained at optimal levels throughout the speed range, resolving the contradiction between simple system design and consistent braking torque.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple encoders are used for safety monitoring, then safety is improved, but certification time and expense increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety monitoringVSAvoidcertification time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making the first encoder serve dual functions: it provides position feedback for motor control and simultaneously serves as a safety monitor by comparing its signals against expected values. This eliminates the need for a separate second encoder dedicated solely to safety monitoring. The single encoder performs multiple functions, reducing certification requirements while maintaining safety, thus resolving the contradiction between safety improvement and certification time/expense.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the motor control system to perform its own safety monitoring function. The controller continuously verifies the integrity of encoder signals and motor operation during normal control functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated safety monitoring hardware. This self-monitoring capability maintains safety while reducing system complexity and certification burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 provides consistent and optimized braking torque across various speeds, enhances safety by preventing unexpected failures, and reduces certification costs by assuming no matching signals between encoders.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of braking resistors, with at least one braking resistor for each motor winding... to achieve a particular equivalent average stator resistance for the speed of the electric motor which results in a power transfer to the braking resistors and increases a braking torque

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of second switches, with at least one second switch for each motor winding... the second switches being configured to selectively close to bypass the braking resistors and directly connect the motor windings to the electrical ground... the electronic controller may be configured to... generate and send to the second switches a pulse width modulated signal which selectively opens and closes the second switches

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance control through switching: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS11855572B2System and method for increasing braking performance under multi-phase shorting
Publication Date: 2023.12.26 NIDEC MOTOR CORP
  • US11855572B2 patent drawing
  • US11855572B2 patent drawing
  • US11855572B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for braking an electric motor. For each motor winding, a first switch is connected between the winding and electrical ground and in series with a resistor and is closeable to connect the winding to ground through the resistor, and a second switch is connected between the winding and ground and is closeable to bypass the resistor. A controller receives feedback regarding the speed and sends to the second switch a pulse width modulated signal which selectively opens and closes the second switch to connect and disconnect the resistor to achieve an optimal equivalent average stator resistance for the motor speed which results in a power transfer to the resistor and increases a braking torque as the motor slows. The pulse width modulated signal opens the second switch for a longer time when the motor speed is higher and for a shorter time when the motor speed is lower.