Motor Encoder as Signal Hub for Cable Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing motor arrangements require a large number of cables for communication between the encoder system and evaluation electronics, leading to increased material and cost outlay, as well as complex and error-prone cabling and installation requirements.

Innovation Solution

A motor arrangement with a transmitter device acting as a central control unit, directly connecting sensor devices to process and transmit signals, reducing the need for multiple cables by integrating sensor signals into the motor line and using it for communication with the control device, which also controls the motor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate cables are used for power, sensor, and encoder signals, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but cabling complexity and material cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidcabling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines power lines, control lines, and sensor lines into a single integrated cable assembly. The encoder unit serves as a central hub that receives all signal types through this unified cable, eliminating the need for multiple separate cable runs and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable signal transmission for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The encoder unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the encoder for position detection and as a central control unit that processes sensor signals from multiple sensor devices. This universal function reduces the need for separate evaluation electronics and simplifies the cabling architecture.

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

2Reliability

If multiple separate cables are used for different signals, then signal interference is reduced, but installation space and connector requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal interference reductionVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple signal types are merged into a single cable assembly with integrated shielding. The cable includes power lines, control lines, and sensor lines all within one structure, reducing the total space required for cable routing and installation while maintaining signal integrity through proper shielding and separation within the cable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable structure employs a nested arrangement where inner shields surround specific signal lines (such as control lines), which are themselves nested within an outer shield that protects all conductors. This nested shielding approach maintains signal interference reduction while compacting the overall cable structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2132870B1Motor arrangement
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2132870B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2132870B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a motor arrangement (1) comprising a motor (4) on which a transmitter device (6) is arranged, a regulating device (2) which is spatially separated from the motor, communicates with the motor (4) via at least one connection line (10), and controls the movement of the motor, and at least one sensor device (8) which is arranged on the motor (4), detects at least one physical property of the motor, and emits a signal characterising said physical property, the transmitter device (6) being connected to the regulating device (2) via the connection line. According to the invention, there is a direct communication connection (9) between the sensor device (8) and the transmitter device (6), by which means the sensor device (8) transmits the characteristic signal directly to the transmitter device (6).