Multi-motor system, freezer comprising the same, and methods for controlling thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-motor systems for freezers, particularly those using Electronically Commutated Motors (ECMs), face challenges with complex and costly controllers that struggle to synchronize rotational velocities accurately, leading to asynchronous operation and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A multi-motor system comprising a main ECM and subordinate ECMs connected via wire or wireless communication, with temperature detection units and a microprocessor that adjusts operation parameters based on temperature differences to synchronize rotational velocities, featuring a simple structure and low costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a special controller is used to control the rotational velocity of ECM, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a simplified controller that copies the essential control logic from complex controllers, implementing only the necessary functions for ECM rotational velocity control. This reduces device complexity while maintaining adequate control precision through selective function implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The controller is designed to perform multiple functions including rotational velocity control, temperature monitoring, and coordination of multiple ECMs within a single integrated unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized controllers, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining control precision.

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

2Measurement precision

If a special controller is used to control the rotational velocity of ECM, then the control precision is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs cost-effective controller components and design approaches that prioritize essential functionality over premium features. By using standard, readily available components and simplified control algorithms, the system achieves adequate control precision at lower manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the essential control functions needed for ECM operation from complex controller designs, eliminating unnecessary features that会增加 cost. This selective extraction maintains control precision for critical parameters while reducing overall system cost by removing redundant functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If a multi-motor system is developed to reduce complexity and cost, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but the rotational velocities of ECMs become asynchronous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidsynchronization of rotational velocities
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where each ECM's operational status and rotational velocity are continuously monitored and communicated to the central controller. The controller adjusts control signals based on this feedback to maintain synchronous operation, resolving the synchronization issue while keeping the system simple and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the control of multiple ECMs into a single centralized control system that coordinates all motors. This unified approach ensures synchronous operation by managing all ECMs through one controller, maintaining stability in rotational velocity synchronization while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent controllers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the main ECM controls subordinate ECMs via communication, then the synchronization is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesynchronizationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a simple communication protocol and intermediate signaling mechanisms between the main ECM and subordinate ECMs. This intermediary layer enables synchronization without requiring complex direct control connections, maintaining stability while minimizing the increase in device complexity through standardized, simple communication interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10396700B2Multi-motor system, freezer comprising the same, and methods for controlling thereof
Publication Date: 2019.08.27 ZHONGSHAN BROAD OCEAN
  • US10396700B2 patent drawing
  • US10396700B2 patent drawing
  • US10396700B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multi-motor system, including a plurality of ECMs. The ECMs include a main ECM and a plurality of subordinate ECMs. A first temperature detection unit and a second temperature detection unit detect a temperature T1 and a temperature T2 at different positions, respectively; the main ECM automatically selects an operation parameter according to temperature differences between the temperature T1 and the temperature T2. The main ECM informs each subordinate ECM of the temperature T1 and the temperature T2, and each subordinate ECM selects an operation parameter according to the temperature T1 and the temperature T2. In operation, the main ECM informs each subordinate ECM of the temperature T1 and the temperature T2, and each subordinate ECM selects an operation parameter in accordance with the temperature T1 and the temperature T2.