Multi-channel Rotary Encoder with Secure Data Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-channel rotary encoders face challenges in cost savings, space efficiency, and reliable data transmission due to the use of separate components on printed circuit boards, which can lead to unreliable signal transmission and potential unsafe machine conditions.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves integrating different functional units of a rotary encoder to achieve higher integration, allowing for secure data transmission by separating measurement value acquisition and processing into independent channels, with diagnostic units in each channel and a redundant data transmission system to ensure error detection and machine safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate components are used on the printed circuit board, then the rotary encoder can be manufactured with standard components, but the space requirements increase and data transmission reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional units (measurement value acquisition, processing, and transmission) into a single integrated component on the printed circuit board. This integration eliminates the need for separate components and their interconnecting traces, thereby improving data transmission reliability while maintaining manufacturability through standardized mounting procedures.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate components are used on the printed circuit board, then the rotary encoder can be manufactured with standard components, but the space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functional units into a single compact component that occupies minimal space on the printed circuit board. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate component footprints and interconnecting traces, significantly reducing the overall area required while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard mounting processes.
3Ease of repair
If separate components are used on the printed circuit board, then component replacement is easier, but the contact members become unreliable and transmission safety decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional units into a single integrated component with internal connections, eliminating reliance on printed circuit board traces for signal transmission. This integration ensures reliable data transmission while maintaining ease of repair through standardized component replacement procedures.
4Area of stationary object
If higher integration is achieved, then cost and space are reduced, but the complexity of integrating multiple functional units increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated component into distinct functional units (measurement value acquisition, processing, and transmission) that can be independently designed and manufactured. This segmentation approach simplifies the integration process while achieving high levels of integration, reducing both space requirements and manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for operating a multi-channel rotary encoder comprising at least one printed circuit board on which one or a plurality of functional units (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 2, 3, 4) are arranged as integrated components and are interconnected, at least one position transducer (6, 7) generating absolute and incremental measurement values which are each fed to a control unit (5) by means of at least one channel (37, 38), the control unit being disposed as a management and safety monitoring unit and controlling a downstream-connected machine, wherein the rotary encoder consists of at least three functional units (1, 2, 3), that the position transducer (6) is arranged in a first functional unit (1) and generates absolute location-position values (9) in this functional unit (1), which are fed by a second functional unit (2), which is connected as an interface, as first secure data (39) by means of the first secure channel (37) to the control unit (5), and that the position transducer (6) feeds its incremental measurement values to a third functional unit (3) which generates absolute location-position values (8) by calculation and feeds said values (8) through the second functional unit (2) by means of a second secure channel (38) as second secure data (40) to the control unit (5) (FIG. 1).