Robot Arm Brake Fan Control for Power Peaks and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for robot arms with overexcitation-type electromagnetic brakes face challenges in managing power consumption spikes during brake electrification and inefficient cooling, leading to increased energy usage and potential overheating.
Innovation Solution
A control method and device that strategically manage the power consumption of cooling fans by employing a first lower power consumption during overexcitation periods and a higher power consumption after these periods, combined with timed shifts in electromagnetic brake excitation and fan operation to minimize overall energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If overexcitation current is applied to the electromagnetic brake to release the brake, then the robot arm can start moving, but the power consumption of the control device temporarily increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling the fan to operate at different power levels during different time periods. During the overexcitation period when the electromagnetic brake is released, the fan operates at a first power consumption level. After the overexcitation period, the fan operates at a second power consumption level that is higher than the first level. This periodic control of fan operation based on the operational state of the electromagnetic brake effectively manages power consumption while ensuring proper cooling at appropriate times.
2Temperature
If the fan operates at high power consumption continuously, then the control device is well-cooled, but the overall power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the fan's power consumption variable rather than fixed. The fan's power consumption is dynamically adjusted based on the operational state of the electromagnetic brake. During the overexcitation period, the fan operates at a lower power level, and after the overexcitation period, it operates at a higher power level. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain effective cooling when needed while reducing overall power consumption during periods when cooling demand is lower.
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 effectively reduces power consumption peaks, minimizes cooling demands, and prevents overheating, allowing for a smaller and more cost-effective control power supply while maintaining efficient operation of the robot arm.
Implementation Method 1
a motor having an overexcitation-type electromagnetic brake is known. When starting to electrify such a motor, an overexcitation current is applied to the electromagnetic brake to release the brake
Implementation Method 2
a fan that cools the control device
Data Source
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AI summary
A method according to the present disclosure includes: (a) carrying out overexcitation of an electromagnetic brake; (b) controlling a fan cooling a control device in such a way that a power consumption of the fan becomes a first power consumption in an overexcitation period during which the overexcitation is carried out; and (c) controlling the fan in such a way that the power consumption of the fan becomes a second power consumption higher than the first power consumption, after the overexcitation period.