Reference Array Motion Control for Coordinated Industrial Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial automation systems face challenges in efficiently deploying operational changes to large numbers of interconnected components, such as linear motor systems and robotic systems, due to the complexity of programming and coordinating motion profiles across multiple movers and devices.

Innovation Solution

The use of a reference array data structure that allows for batch programming of control commands by associating each component with a set of motion parameters, enabling simultaneous adjustments to multiple components through a single command, thereby simplifying the process of implementing coordinated motion profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If individual programming is used for each component in large-scale industrial automation systems, then precise control can be achieved, but the programming complexity and deployment time increase significantly

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

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments components into groups or families with similar motion characteristics, allowing independent parameter definitions for each group while maintaining individual component control. This reduces programming complexity by eliminating redundant code while preserving precise control over each component's motion parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universal parameter structures that can be applied across multiple components simultaneously. A single parameter definition can control multiple components with similar characteristics, enabling batch programming and reducing overall programming complexity while maintaining individual component precision through parameter inheritance and override capabilities.

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

2Reliability

If individual programming is used for each component, then specific control requirements can be met, but the deployment time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoiddeployment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary parameter definition at the group level before deploying to individual components. Motion parameters, control profiles, and coordination logic are pre-configured for groups of components, allowing rapid deployment across multiple devices while maintaining individual control accuracy through parameter inheritance and component-specific overrides.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges parameter definitions and control logic at the group level, combining common motion parameters, coordination rules, and control strategies into unified structures. This merging reduces deployment time by enabling batch programming while preserving control accuracy through maintained individual component parameter access and override capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If coordinated motion profiles are implemented across multiple movers, then system synchronization improves, but the programming complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem synchronizationVSAvoidcoordination programming complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces group-level parameter structures as intermediaries between individual component controllers and the central control system. These intermediary structures manage coordination logic, motion profile synchronization, and inter-component timing relationships, reducing programming complexity by centralizing coordination management while maintaining precise system synchronization through standardized parameter interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3974927B1Automation control based on a reference array
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECH INC
  • EP3974927B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3974927B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3974927B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of this present disclosure may include industrial components in an industrial environment and a control system. The control system may receive a request to perform a control operation using the industrial components and may access a reference array associated with the industrial components. The reference array may include rows and columns, where each row may correspond to a respective industrial component of the industrial components. The control system may identify or program set points in the reference array associated with completing the control operation and may detect current motion components of the plurality of industrial components. The control system may generate control commands for the industrial components based on the current motion components, the set points, and/or the reference array. The industrial components may perform the control operation in response to receiving the control commands.