Power Conversion Device Automatic Parameter Setting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power conversion devices face challenges in accurately identifying terminal block types, leading to increased manufacturing complexity and labor due to shape-based differentiation, and pin assignment for type distinction, which limits the number of distinguishable types and requires user-specific settings.

Innovation Solution

A control unit and terminal unit system that transmits an identification signal to the control unit, allowing it to set parameters based on the terminal block type, enabling automatic parameter setting and hiding unnecessary parameters, thus reducing manufacturing complexity and user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different shapes of connectors are used to distinguish terminal block types, then the terminal block types can be distinguished, but the number of distinguishable types is limited and manufacturing complexity increases due to multiple mold shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of distinguishable terminal block typesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single connector shape is used for all terminal block types, allowing the same mold to manufacture all connectors. The terminal block type is distinguished not by connector shape but by the pattern of identification signals transmitted through the connector pins, enabling one connector design to serve multiple terminal block types.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical distinction method (different connector shapes) is replaced with an electrical/signaling method (identification signals transmitted through pins). Instead of physically differentiating terminal blocks through mold variations, the system uses electrical signals to convey terminal block type information to the control unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If connector pin shapes are changed to distinguish terminal block types, then more types can be distinguished, but the pins cannot be used for their original design functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of distinguishable terminal block typesVSAvoidpin functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pin functions are segmented into two independent roles: (1) transmission of identification signals for terminal block type recognition, and (2) transmission of operational signals for the terminal block's original design functions. This segmentation allows pins to simultaneously convey type information and perform their intended purposes without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector pins serve multiple functions: they transmit both identification signals (for type recognition) and operational signals (for the terminal block's original design function). This multi-functionality ensures that no pin capacity is wasted and all pins contribute to both identification and operational purposes.

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

3Reliability

If user-specific settings are required for each terminal block type, then accurate control can be achieved, but labor and time for manual configuration increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoidparameter setting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal block type information is pre-configured in the form of identification signals within each terminal block. When the terminal block is connected to the power conversion device, the control unit automatically reads these pre-set identification signals and configures the appropriate parameters without requiring manual user input, thus performing the configuration action in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Each terminal block contains embedded identification information that enables it to self-identify its type. The control unit automatically reads this identification signal and configures itself accordingly, making the system self-configuring without requiring external user intervention for parameter setting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3379721B1Power conversion device
Publication Date: 2022.03.09 HITACHI IND EQUIP SYST CO LTD
  • EP3379721B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3379721B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3379721B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Conventionally, with regard to the individual setting of connected terminal bases, the setting is individually carried out by the user, or dedicated products have been provided. In the case of a method for distinguishing the types of terminal bases by differentiating the shapes of connectors, the types of distinguishable terminal bases cannot be much increased because the original purpose of the method concerns erroneous insertion of connectors. In addition, differentiating the shapes of connectors requires, for example, a change in shape when designing a manufacturing die, and a change of the die for each shape during manufacturing. Accordingly, there is, for example, the problem of additional time and effort for work required to deal with multiple products. A power conversion device is provided with a control unit for outputting a signal for driving a motor, and a terminal unit for transmitting an identification signal that is information about a type of terminal base to the control unit, and characterized in that the control unit sets parameters on the basis of the identification signal transmitted by the terminal unit.