Robot Control Circuit for Regenerative Power Reuse

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robot control apparatuses face challenges in effectively utilizing regenerative electric power due to complex configurations and inefficient discharge mechanisms, particularly when supplying power to intermittently consuming components like DC fans.

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus is designed with a regenerative electric power supply unit, a discharge resistance unit, and an energization control circuit unit, which converts and manages regenerative power to efficiently supply it to the drive circuit unit, thereby optimizing power utilization and reducing complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If regenerative electric power is stored in a smoothing capacitor and supplied to a DC fan, then the regenerative electric power can be utilized, but the control and configuration become complex due to intermittent power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveutilization of regenerative electric powerVSAvoidcontrol configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control apparatus uses the regenerative electric power generated during robot arm deceleration to automatically supply power to itself (the control apparatus), eliminating the need for external power supply to the control apparatus and simplifying the overall system configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The smoothing capacitor serves multiple functions: it smooths the rectified voltage from the power supply unit and simultaneously stores regenerative electric power from the motor, reducing the need for separate energy storage components

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

2Use of energy by moving object

If regenerative electric power is supplied to intermittently consuming components, then power utilization can be achieved, but discharge control with timing becomes necessary increasing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregenerative electric power utilizationVSAvoiddischarge control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control apparatus continuously consumes power from the smoothing capacitor for its operational components (CPU, memory, communication unit), eliminating the need for intermittent discharge control and timing synchronization that would be required for batched or periodic operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply unit monitors the voltage level in the smoothing capacitor and dynamically adjusts the power conversion and supply to maintain stable operation, automatically managing the discharge process without complex external control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The proposed solution enables effective utilization of regenerative electric power by simplifying the configuration and optimizing power management, leading to lower power consumption and improved energy efficiency in robot systems.

Implementation Method 1

a first converter circuit unit converting and outputting an alternating current input from the terminal into a direct current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic rectification: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a second converter circuit unit parallel-coupled to the first converter circuit unit and converting and outputting the alternating current input from the terminal into a direct current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic rectification: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a discharge resistance unit parallel-coupled to the drive circuit unit, to which the regenerative electric power is input from the drive circuit unit and, when a voltage value of the regenerative electric power exceeds a threshold value, consuming electric power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12341457B2Control apparatus and robot system
Publication Date: 2025.06.24 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • US12341457B2 patent drawing
  • US12341457B2 patent drawing
  • US12341457B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control apparatus includes a drive circuit unit to which regenerative electric power is input, a discharge resistance unit parallel-coupled to the drive circuit unit, to which the regenerative electric power is input from the drive circuit unit, and, when a voltage value of the regenerative electric power exceeds a threshold value, consuming electric power, a second converter circuit unit parallel-coupled to a first converter circuit unit and converting and outputting an alternating current into a direct current, a step-down circuit unit stepping down and outputting a voltage of the current output from the second converter circuit unit, an energization control circuit unit actuated by the direct current and controlling the drive circuit unit, and a regenerative electric power supply unit having a regenerative diode coupled to the discharge resistance unit and outputting a direct current of the regenerative electric power to the step-down circuit unit.