Multi-Axis Motor Controller Synchronized PWM Current Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric vehicle designs with multiple motors face inefficiencies due to unsynchronized power demands, leading to excessive current draw from the battery, reduced battery lifetime, and lack of independent axial speed and positional control, which are not effectively addressed by existing PWM control systems.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axis motor controller (MAMC) using synchronized pulse-width modulation (PWM) to optimize current usage by controlling phase timing, frequency, position, and width of PWM signals for each motor, ensuring the current drawn is balanced and within the battery's capacity, utilizing a central controller and MAMC agents to manage current distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If each wheel is driven by its own motor with independent power draw, then each wheel can be controlled independently, but the battery experiences increased internal dynamic resistance and reduced lifetime due to unsynchronized power demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent motor control systems into a unified multi-axis motor controller that synchronizes PWM signals across all motors. This merging allows independent wheel control to be maintained while coordinating power draw through centralized PWM synchronization, thereby reducing battery stress and extending lifetime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic PWM signaling with synchronized timing across multiple motors. By using periodic pulse-width modulation with coordinated duty cycles, the system creates rhythmic, synchronized power draw patterns that reduce dynamic resistance impacts on the battery while maintaining independent motor control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors operate independently with unsynchronized PWM, then each motor can be controlled individually, but the total current draw becomes excessive and unbalanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual motor PWM controls into a unified synchronized PWM system where a central controller coordinates timing and duty cycles across all motors. This allows independent motor control to be preserved while balancing total current draw through coordinated signal generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic PWM parameter adjustment where frequency, duty cycle, and phase timing are continuously optimized based on system demands. This dynamic control enables independent motor operation while adaptively managing total power consumption to prevent excessive current draw.
3Power
If a central PWM controller is used to synchronize multiple motors, then current draw is optimized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal multi-axis motor controller that handles multiple motors through a single centralized PWM generation unit. This multi-functional controller reduces overall system complexity by consolidating control functions while maintaining optimized current draw through synchronized PWM signaling across all motors.
4Ease of operation
If PWM signals are distributed without synchronization, then each motor can operate independently, but battery conditions deteriorate due to unbalanced current timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs synchronized periodic PWM signaling where all motors operate on coordinated time cycles with optimized duty ratios. This periodic synchronization maintains independent motor operation capability while balancing power delivery timing to improve battery efficiency and reduce energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the central controller monitors system state and adjusts PWM parameters dynamically. This feedback loop ensures independent motor operation is maintained while optimizing current timing to prevent battery deterioration and improve overall energy efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures optimal battery utilization by maintaining a balanced current draw, preventing excessive or insufficient current, thereby extending battery life and enabling precise control of motor speeds and positions, ensuring the total current does not exceed the power source's capacity.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention is designed to meet these long-felt needs. A multi-axis motor controller (MAMC) is provided that contains means for synchronized pulse-width modulation (PWM) output.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for is disclosed for using pulse-width modulated (PWM) signals in the control of a plurality of electric motors or of at least one electric motor with multiple windings. The method comprises steps of: measuring the current being drawn by each of said electric motors; transmitting signals corresponding to the current being drawn said plurality of motors to a central controller; transmitting from said central controller signals corresponding to the amount of current to be drawn by each motor, whereby the relative phases and durations of said signals are distributed according to a predetermined protocol; and repeating steps (a) through (c) while said electric motors are in operation. The distribution of PWM signals defines the total current drawn from said source of electricity as a function of time.