Dual-Microcomputer Motor Control Timing After Reset

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor control devices face synchronization issues between separate processing circuits when one circuit resets, leading to unsynchronized operations and reduced torque generation.

Innovation Solution

A motor control device with synchronized execution of periodic tasks between two systems using a synchronization process that adjusts execution timings and communication signals to maintain consistent torque control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate processing circuits are used to control current in each stator coil, then control reliability is improved through redundancy, but synchronization between circuits deteriorates when one circuit resets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidsynchronization between circuits
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the first processing circuit detects whether the second processing circuit has reset, and the second processing circuit detects whether the first processing circuit has reset. Based on these detection results, each circuit adjusts its periodic task execution timing to maintain synchronization. This feedback-based synchronization ensures that even when one circuit resets, both circuits can resume synchronized operation, thereby maintaining control reliability while resolving synchronization issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If processing circuits independently control their respective stator coils, then control flexibility is improved, but torque consistency deteriorates due to unsynchronized operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidtorque consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the synchronization control of two independent processing circuits by having them share a common synchronization mechanism. Both the first and second periodic tasks are configured to execute at synchronized timings through mutual detection of reset states and coordinated timing adjustment. This merging of synchronization control ensures that despite the independent control architecture providing flexibility, the torque generation remains consistent through synchronized operation of both circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by moving object

If a processing circuit resets due to low voltage, then power consumption protection is improved, but operational continuity deteriorates due to synchronization loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption protectionVSAvoidoperational continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having each processing circuit proactively detect the reset state of the other circuit before attempting to execute periodic tasks. When a circuit detects that the other has reset, it waits and adjusts its timing accordingly before resuming operation. This preliminary detection and timing adjustment ensures that both circuits resume operation in synchronization, maintaining operational continuity while allowing individual circuits to reset for power protection when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3624330B1Motor control device
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 JTEKT CORP
  • EP3624330B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3624330B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3624330B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

If a B system microcomputer (30b) is reset and reactivated while an A system microcomputer (30a) is operating normally, tasks of the A system microcomputer (30a) and tasks of the B system microcomputer (30b) can be synchronized. The B system microcomputer (30b) is reset when voltage applied to a battery (50) decreases and falls below an operation guarantee voltage. Thereafter, when the applied voltage becomes equal to or higher than the operation guarantee voltage and the B system microcomputer (30b) is activated, the B system microcomputer (30b) outputs a request signal for requesting a synchronization signal to the A system microcomputer (30a). The A system microcomputer (30a) outputs the synchronization signal synchronized with a periodic task. The B system microcomputer (30b) determines an execution timing of the periodic task based on the synchronization signal.