Multi-Controller PWM Actuator Control for Redundant Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional actuating systems in servo driving applications face challenges with reliability due to increased complexity and weight from redundant components, which can lead to reduced efficiency and mechanical constraints, especially in drones and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control system with multiple synchronized controllers that provide independent PWM signals to an actuator, where each controller serves as a redundancy for the others, allowing for continuous operation without downtime in case of malfunction, and utilizing a sensor for feedback to adjust the PWM signals and maintain actuator stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant actuators are used to improve reliability, then system reliability improves, but weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent controllers (first controller, second controller) that can operate autonomously. Each controller can independently control the actuator, allowing one controller to take over if another fails, thereby improving reliability without requiring redundant actuators
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of copying the entire actuator system, the patent copies only the control function by implementing multiple controllers with identical control capabilities. This allows redundancy at the control level while avoiding the weight penalty of redundant actuators
2Reliability
If redundant components are added to improve reliability, then system reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control functionality is segmented across multiple independent controllers, each capable of autonomous operation. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity at the component level while achieving complexity-based redundancy at the system level for improved reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Each controller is designed with universal functionality to perform the complete control task independently. This multi-functionality ensures that any controller can take over the entire control responsibility, simplifying the system architecture compared to specialized redundant components
3Weight of moving object
If multiple controllers are used to reduce weight, then weight decreases, but coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controllers operate in periodic time slots determined by a clock signal, with each controller assigned specific time intervals to generate PWM signals. This periodic time-division multiplexing simplifies coordination by ensuring non-overlapping control intervals, eliminating the need for complex real-time synchronization mechanisms
4Reliability
If controllers operate independently to provide redundancy, then reliability improves, but synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Controllers operate independently during their assigned periodic time slots, generating PWM signals without real-time interaction. The clock signal provides a simple periodic framework that automatically ensures non-overlapping intervals, achieving both independence and synchronization without complex coordination mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The time slot allocation for each controller is predetermined based on the clock signal period. This preliminary assignment of control intervals eliminates the need for dynamic synchronization during operation, as each controller independently knows when to activate based on pre-established timing rules
Data Source
AI summary
One example embodiment of the present invention is a control system for an actuator that is controlled by a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. The control system includes at least two controllers that are connected to the actuator. Each of the controller sends an independent sequence of PWM signal to the actuator. The actuator is controlled by a combination of the PWM signals from all the controllers together. The controllers are synchronized by a clock signal that provides a sequence of periodic clock interval and the PWM signal from each controller occupies a separate and non-overlapping clock interval from the PWM signal of other controllers.