Motor Control Apparatus Automatic Rotation Direction Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In elevator systems, newly installed motor control apparatuses often face challenges in identifying and quickly resolving issues such as incorrect motor rotation direction or failure to rotate, due to miswiring or misinstallation, which complicates troubleshooting and delays equipment startup.

Innovation Solution

A motor control apparatus with a trouble handling unit that selectively executes rotation direction adjusting or reversing processes based on detected trouble types, using phase sequence interchanging and direction inversion signals to match the motor's rotation direction with intended operation, allowing for automatic correction of installation errors without operator-specific diagnosis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If motor control apparatus is newly installed at construction site, then equipment can start operation, but rotation-related troubles such as incorrect rotation direction or failure to rotate occur due to miswiring or misinstallation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment startup speedVSAvoidmotor rotation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by automatically detecting potential rotation troubles (incorrect rotation direction or failure to rotate) immediately after motor installation and executing correction processes before normal operation begins. The control unit performs automatic detection and correction of phase sequence issues, eliminating the need for manual troubleshooting and ensuring reliable motor rotation from the start of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of repair

If manual troubleshooting is performed at construction site, then rotation-related troubles can be identified, but troubleshooting time and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetroubleshooting easeVSAvoidtroubleshooting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the motor control apparatus to automatically detect rotation-related troubles and execute correction processes without requiring operator intervention. The control unit autonomously identifies issues such as incorrect rotation direction or failure to rotate, determines the appropriate correction (phase sequence interchange or direction reversal), and implements the fix, thereby eliminating manual troubleshooting time and labor costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring motor rotation status and comparing actual rotation behavior with expected operation. When rotation troubles are detected, the system provides feedback to the control unit, which then automatically executes correction processes and verifies the results, creating a closed-loop troubleshooting system that eliminates manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If phase sequence is interchanged to correct rotation direction, then motor rotation direction is adjusted, but additional control circuitry and complexity are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation direction controlVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the control unit to perform multiple functions: normal motor control, rotation status monitoring, trouble detection, and automatic correction execution. The same control unit that manages motor operation also detects rotation troubles and executes phase sequence interchange or direction reversal corrections, eliminating the need for separate dedicated correction circuitry and reducing overall system complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3886315B1Motor control apparatus and motor control method
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 YASKAWA DENKI KK
  • EP3886315B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3886315B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3886315B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A motor control apparatus (3) includes a control unit (16) and a trouble handling unit (19, 19A). The control unit (16) is configured to output, in accordance with a phase sequence with respect to a motor (4), a drive command signal which is generated based on a motor rotation signal output from a motor rotation detector (7) to control the motor (4). The trouble handling unit (19, 19A) is configured to receive a trouble signal showing a trouble with rotation of the motor (4). The trouble handling unit (19, 19A) is configured to perform a rotation direction adjusting process or a rotation direction reversing process according to the trouble signal. The rotation direction adjusting process includes matching the phase sequence with rotation direction information included in the motor rotation signal. The rotation direction reversing process includes reversing a motor rotation direction with respect to the drive command signal.