Motor Drive Data Acquisition for Bidirectional Peripheral Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive systems lack the capability for bidirectional data transmission, limiting the integration of complex peripheral devices that require communication with the data acquisition unit or motor controller.

Innovation Solution

A drive system with a data acquisition unit that receives primary data from the motor unit and secondary data from peripheral devices, merges them, and transmits the merged data to the motor controller, while also receiving and transmitting control and configuration data bidirectionally.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If unidirectional data transmission from peripheral device to data acquisition unit is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration capability of peripheral devicesVSAvoidcommunication functionality of data acquisition unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The data acquisition unit is designed with bidirectional communication capability, allowing it to both receive data from peripheral devices and transmit control/configuration data to them. This multi-functionality enables the same unit to serve simple sensing applications and complex controlled applications without requiring different hardware architectures.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The motor controller acts as an intermediary that generates control and configuration data which is then transmitted through the data acquisition unit to the peripheral devices. This mediator approach allows complex control functionality to be added without modifying the peripheral devices themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If bidirectional data transmission is implemented, then adaptability of peripheral device integration is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration capability of peripheral devicesVSAvoidcommunication functionality of data acquisition unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The data acquisition unit is designed with bidirectional communication capability, allowing it to both receive data from peripheral devices and transmit control/configuration data to them. This multi-functionality enables the same unit to serve simple sensing applications and complex controlled applications without requiring different hardware architectures.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The motor controller acts as an intermediary that generates control and configuration data which is then transmitted through the data acquisition unit to the peripheral devices. This mediator approach allows complex control functionality to be added without modifying the peripheral devices themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If simple peripheral devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but functionality is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign complexity of peripheral devicesVSAvoidcommunication capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bidirectional communication enables feedback loops where peripheral devices can not only send sensor data but also receive control commands and configuration parameters, allowing for closed-loop control applications with simple peripheral devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The data acquisition unit is designed with bidirectional communication capability, allowing it to both receive data from peripheral devices and transmit control/configuration data to them. This multi-functionality enables the same unit to serve simple sensing applications and complex controlled applications without requiring different hardware architectures.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4366156B1Drive system and method for operating same
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 SICK AG
  • EP4366156B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4366156B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The drive system comprises a motor unit, which includes a data acquisition unit, a motor controller connected to the motor unit via a motor cable, and at least one peripheral device. The data acquisition unit is configured to receive primary data from one or more components of the motor unit and secondary data from the peripheral device, to fuse the primary and secondary data, and to transmit the fused data to the motor controller via the motor cable. Furthermore, the data acquisition unit is configured to receive control and configuration data from the motor controller via the motor cable and to selectively transmit this control and configuration data to one or more components of the motor unit and/or to the peripheral device.