Optical Fiber Robot Control Network for Low-Wiring Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robot control systems face challenges with complex wiring, low bandwidth, and poor anti-electromagnetic interference capabilities due to the use of conventional serial and parallel bus technologies, which hinder efficient communication and stability in industrial environments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an optical fiber communication network within the robot to convert electrical control signals to optical signals, broadcast them over a downlink, filter based on port identifiers, and convert back to electrical signals for actuators, while also transmitting sensed data over an uplink, thereby reducing wiring complexity and enhancing communication bandwidth and interference resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional serial bus technology (RS-485) or line driving technology is used, then the control system can operate, but the wiring becomes complicated and the number of control lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electrical bus technologies (RS-485, line driving) with optical fiber communication technology. This substitution transforms the mechanical/electrical connection system into an optical system, where light signals replace electrical signals for data transmission between the control system and actuators/sensors, thereby reducing wiring complexity and the number of control lines required
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber communication network serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits control signals from the control system to actuators, transmits sensed data from sensors to the control system, and provides both power and communication pathways through a unified optical infrastructure, replacing multiple separate electrical connection systems
2Productivity
If system bus technology with serial or parallel interfaces is used, then communication can be established, but the bandwidth is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of signal transmission from electrical signals in copper conductors to optical signals in fiber optic cables. This parameter change enables significantly higher bandwidth and data transmission capacity, as optical signals can carry much more information per unit time compared to electrical signals constrained by serial or parallel interface limitations
3Reliability
If conventional electrical bus technologies are used, then the control system can function, but the anti-electromagnetic interference capabilities are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission. Since optical signals are immune to electromagnetic interference that plagues electrical systems, this substitution dramatically improves the reliability of the control system in industrial environments with high electromagnetic interference, such as those with motors, generators, and high-power equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber acts as an intermediary medium that isolates the control system from electromagnetic interference. The optical fiber transmits information without conducting electrical current, thereby blocking electromagnetic interference from reaching sensitive control electronics while still enabling communication
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
This approach reduces the number of wirings, simplifies the control system, and improves communication bandwidth and anti-electromagnetic interference capabilities, leading to more reliable and efficient robot control.
Implementation Method 1
converting an acquired electrical control signal of the robot to an optical control signal
Implementation Method 2
converting the optical control signal corresponding to the port identifier to an electrical control signal
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present application provide a method and apparatus based on an optical fiber communication network for controlling a robot, a storage medium and an electronic device. The method includes: converting an acquired electrical control signal of the robot to an optical control signal; broadcasting the optical control signal over a downlink of the optical fiber communication network; filtering the optical control signal based on a port identifier to obtain an optical control signal corresponding to the port identifier; converting the optical control signal corresponding to the port identifier to an electrical control signal; and sending the electrical control signal to an actuator of the robot. According to the embodiments of the present application, the number of wirings inside the robot is reduced, the wiring complexity is reduced, and the bandwidth for communication and anti-electromagnetic interference capabilities in the control system are improved.