Motor Sensor Power Timing Control for Lower Energy Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power saving control techniques for sensors in motors are ineffective when the sensor is not built into the motor, leading to high power consumption and short sensor lifetime.

Innovation Solution

A control system that includes a sensor for monitoring motor operations and a control mechanism to start and stop the sensor's power supply before and after motor operations, optimizing power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If power is continuously supplied to the sensor, then the sensor can always monitor motor operations, but power consumption increases and sensor lifetime decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor monitoring capabilityVSAvoidsensor power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by controlling the sensor power supply to be turned ON before motor operation and turned OFF after motor operation. This periodic power supply pattern allows the sensor to function only when needed (during motor operation) rather than continuously, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable monitoring capability during operational periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If power is continuously supplied to the sensor, then the sensor remains operational, but the sensor lifetime becomes short

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor operational statusVSAvoidsensor lifetime
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by supplying power to the sensor only during periods when motor operation occurs, turning the power OFF during idle periods. This reduces the cumulative operating time of the sensor, thereby extending its overall lifetime while ensuring it remains operational and reliable during actual motor operation periods through pre-start power supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If power supply to sensor is controlled based on motor operation, then power consumption is reduced, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor power consumptionVSAvoidpower control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by integrating the sensor power supply control function into the existing motor control mechanism. The control unit that already manages motor operation is also used to control sensor power supply, combining two control functions into one system. This reduces overall control complexity compared to having separate independent control systems for both motor and sensor power management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3930182B1Control system and automatic analysis device mounted with said control system
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP
  • EP3930182B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3930182B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3930182B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a control system which, when a sensor is not built in a motor, saves the power of the sensor and increases the life thereof by on/off-controlling power supply to the sensor before and after the operation of the motor, and also to provide an automatic analysis device. The control system 201 is provided with sensors 309a, 309b, 602, 603 for monitoring the operation of a motor and a control mechanism for controlling the operation of the motor. The control mechanism is provided with: a function of starting power supply to the sensors 309a, 309b, 602, 603 before a first predetermined time from the time when the motor starts the rotating operation; and a function of stopping the power supply to the sensors 309a, 309b, 602, 603 after a second predetermined time from the time when the motor terminates the rotating operation.