Motor Configuration Wizard for Automatic Parameter Adaptation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional motor control configuration systems are complex and difficult to set up, often requiring multiple parameters and low-level knowledge of the motor or microprocessor, making it challenging for users to configure and fine-tune motor control programs effectively.

Innovation Solution

A simplified wizard procedure that guides users through selecting an application area and motor parameters, followed by an automatic motor adaptation step with minimal user input, allowing for easy commissioning and fine-tuning of motor control programs using a user-friendly interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional motor control configuration systems are used, then detailed motor parameters and low-level knowledge are obtained, but the configuration process becomes complex and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor parameter accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a wizard as an intermediary layer between the user and the motor control system. This wizard provides a simplified graphical interface that automatically handles complex parameter configuration, while still allowing access to detailed parameters when needed. The wizard mediates between user-friendly operation and precise motor control configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration process is segmented into multiple wizard steps (step 1, step 2, step 3, etc.), each handling specific aspects of motor configuration. This segmentation breaks down the complex configuration task into manageable, sequential steps, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining comprehensive parameter coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If detailed motor knowledge is required for configuration, then precise control is achieved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoiduser friendliness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wizard enables self-service configuration by automatically performing motor adaptation and parameter optimization without requiring user expertise. The system autonomously executes adaptation routines and configures control parameters based on basic motor information provided by the user, eliminating the need for detailed motor knowledge while maintaining control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The wizard performs preliminary configuration actions automatically, including motor adaptation, parameter initialization, and control setup. By handling these complex preliminary tasks automatically, the system allows users to achieve precise motor control without needing to understand or manually configure the underlying detailed parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual parameter configuration is used, then flexibility is maintained, but configuration time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wizard implements automatic parameter changes through motor adaptation routines that dynamically adjust control parameters based on the specific motor characteristics. This automated parameter optimization maintains flexibility and adaptability while dramatically reducing the time required compared to manual configuration, as the system automatically identifies and applies optimal parameter settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10222776B2Wizard for configuring a motor
Publication Date: 2019.03.05 DANFOSS POWER ELECTRONICS AS
  • US10222776B2 patent drawing
  • US10222776B2 patent drawing
  • US10222776B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A motor control wizard implements a simple workflow for creating an application-specific program for operation of a motor control system. The wizard prompts for selection of an application area, which sensitizes the system to tune certain motor control parameters in accordance with the demands of the selected application area. The wizard also prompts for selection of a target devices, such as a particular type of motor with a set of basic operating parameters. With the target device and application area known, the wizard runs an automatic adaptation step without requiring additional user-settable parameters. The adaptation step yields an adapted motor control program based characteristics of the motor control system obtained via the adaptation step. The wizard then confirms operation of the motor using the adapted program. Additional features allow the user to fine tune parameters beyond this set of initial configuration parameters.