Motor Controller Multi-Protocol Auto-Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor control systems are limited by the use of single communication protocols, making them incompatible with external devices from different manufacturers, which can't communicate using the same protocol, restricting flexibility and interoperability.

Innovation Solution

A motor controller with a computing device capable of detecting and communicating using multiple communication protocols, allowing it to interface with external devices regardless of their protocol, through a communication port that supports various protocols such as RS-485, USB, or IEEE 1394.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a motor controller uses a single communication protocol, then communication reliability with same-manufacturer devices is improved, but compatibility with external devices from different manufacturers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidprotocol compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The motor controller is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple communication protocols (CAN, LIN, RS-232, RS-485, I2C, SPI, USB). The controller can automatically detect which protocol an external device uses and switch to that protocol for communication, enabling universal compatibility across different manufacturers while maintaining reliable communication with each protocol type

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

Solution Approach 2:

The communication protocol parameter of the motor controller is made changeable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically changes its communication protocol based on the detected external device type, allowing it to adapt between different protocols (CAN, LIN, RS-232, RS-485, I2C, SPI, USB) to maintain both reliability and compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a motor controller supports multiple communication protocols, then compatibility with external devices is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidcontroller complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor controller performs self-service by automatically detecting which communication protocol an external device uses and autonomously switching to the appropriate protocol. This self-detecting and self-adjusting capability eliminates the need for manual configuration or complex external setup, reducing operational complexity despite supporting multiple protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controller includes a communication interface that acts as an intermediary between the motor and various external devices using different protocols. This interface layer handles protocol translation and adaptation, allowing the core control logic to remain simple while supporting multiple communication standards through a unified interface mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9897986B2System and method for enabling a motor controller to communicate using multiple different communication protocols
Publication Date: 2018.02.20 REGAL BELOIT AMERICA INC
  • US9897986B2 patent drawing
  • US9897986B2 patent drawing
  • US9897986B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A motor controller including a communication port and a computing device coupled to the communication port is described. The computing device is capable of communicating using a plurality of communication protocols and is configured to detect that an external device has connected to the communication port. The computing device is further configured to identify a first communication protocol used by the external device, wherein the first communication protocol is one of the plurality of communication protocols, and communicate with the external device using the first communication protocol.