Motor Driver PWM Frequency Tuning to Avoid Machine Tool Resonance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electric motors in machine tools can generate resonances that lead to vibrations, potentially causing damage to the motor or other components.

Innovation Solution

A method involving connecting an energy storage unit to the machine tool, transmitting characteristic values, determining a resonance frequency, and setting a switching frequency for the motor driver to a value greater or less than the determined resonance frequency to control and regulate the electric motor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed PWM frequency is used for motor control, then the control system is simple to implement, but resonances occur causing vibrations and potential damage to components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor and component durabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the PWM switching frequency adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adapts the switching frequency based on detected resonance frequencies, allowing the system to operate at frequencies that avoid resonant vibrations while maintaining simple overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of switching frequency from a fixed value to a variable parameter. By detecting resonance frequencies and adjusting the PWM frequency accordingly (shifting it away from resonant frequencies), the system eliminates vibrations and prevents component damage without significantly increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the PWM frequency is adjusted to avoid resonance, then vibrations are reduced, but additional measurement and control steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevibrationsVSAvoidcontrol procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by detecting the resonance frequency of the motor-driven system and using this information to adjust the PWM switching frequency. The control unit continuously monitors system characteristics and adapts the operating frequency to avoid resonant conditions, thereby reducing vibrations through a closed-loop control approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting resonance frequencies in advance and pre-adjusting the PWM switching frequency to avoid resonant conditions. This proactive approach prevents vibrations from occurring in the first place, rather than attempting to mitigate them after they arise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Reduces vibrations by controlling the electric motor's resonance frequency, thereby preventing damage to the motor and other components.

Implementation Method 1

determining a resonance frequency value based on the at least one transmitted characteristic value of the at least one energy storage unit and on at least one characteristic value of the machine tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP4651365A1Adjusting a pwm frequency based on system characteristics
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 HILTI AG
  • EP4651365A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4651365A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4651365A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Method for controlling and regulating a system comprising a machine tool and at least one energy storage unit connectable to the machine tool, wherein the machine tool comprises an electric motor, a control device, a motor driver, a control device and a first transceiver, and wherein the at least one energy storage unit comprises a second transceiver.The method comprises the following steps: - Connecting the at least one energy storage unit to the machine tool; - Transmitting at least one characteristic value of the at least one energy storage unit to the machine tool; - Determining a resonance frequency value based on the at least one transmitted characteristic value of the at least one energy storage unit and on at least one characteristic value of the machine tool; and - Setting a switching frequency for the motor driver to control the electric motor to a value that is greater or less than the determined resonance frequency value.