Networked Geared Motors With Shared Sensor-Based Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive systems with geared motors require complex manual operation or higher-level control units, making them difficult to implement and automate.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising multiple geared motors with electronic units that enable data exchange via sensors, allowing for automated control and regulation through a network of electric motors, gearboxes, and sensors, using IEEE 802.15.4 standard connections for data exchange, and including temperature and other sensors for monitoring and actuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If geared motors are operated manually or through a higher-level control unit, then the system can be controlled, but the implementation becomes complex and automatic operation depends on communication with the control unit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic operationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the control functionality directly into each geared motor through integrated electronic units, merging the actuator and controller into a single component. This eliminates the need for complex external control systems while enabling autonomous operation, as each motor can independently process sensor data and adjust its operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Each geared motor is equipped with electronic units that enable it to autonomously control itself based on sensor input. The motor performs self-regulation and self-adjustment without requiring external control commands, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a higher-level control unit is used to control geared motors, then centralized control is achieved, but the installation and operation become comparatively complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation and operation simplicityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into distributed electronic units within each geared motor rather than using a centralized control unit. Each electronic unit independently processes information and controls its associated motor, simplifying installation and operation while maintaining effective control through modular, independent units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Extent of automation

If geared motors communicate with a control unit for automatic operation, then automation is enabled, but the system requires complex communication infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic control capabilityVSAvoidcommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication and control functionality is extracted from a separate control unit and integrated directly into each geared motor's electronic unit. This eliminates the need for complex communication infrastructure between motors and a central controller, as each motor independently processes sensor data and executes control decisions locally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3716470B1System comprising a plurality of gear motors and at least one sensor
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 LOCK ANTRIEBSTECHN
  • EP3716470B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3716470B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3716470B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

System with a plurality of geared motors and at least one sensor, wherein the sensor is designed to detect a measured value, wherein each geared motor comprises an electronic unit, wherein the electronic units of the geared motors are designed in such a way that data exchange between the electronic units of the geared motors is enabled, wherein at least one geared motor is connected to the sensor, wherein the geared motors are designed such that the measured value detected by the sensor is available to all electronic units of the geared motors, wherein each individual electronic unit is designed to control and/or regulate a geared motor of the system on the basis of the measured value detected by the sensor.