Rotary Motion Drive Control with Dual-Mode Speed and Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control systems for industrial machines with motion drives are not adequately practical or programmable, making it difficult for operators to efficiently and safely control machine components with controlled movement axes.

Innovation Solution

A control device featuring a turntable control element with an endlessly rotatable actuator and a pushbutton switch element, allowing for two interaction modes: one for specifying movement speed and direction, and another for precise positioning, with haptic feedback and resistance control to prevent unintended movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional control system with multiple switching elements is used, then comprehensive control functions are achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary control element is designed to perform multiple functions: it can specify movement speed by rotation angle, specify movement direction by rotation direction, and enable mode switching when combined with the push-button element. This single multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate controls, switches, and wiring connections, thereby improving ease of operation while managing device complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The push-button switching element and rotary control element are merged into a integrated control unit. The push-button element serves dual purposes: it activates the first interaction mode for speed specification and simultaneously acts as a mode switch between first and second interaction modes. This merging eliminates the need for separate mode-switching mechanisms and reduces overall control system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If a rotary control element with predefined positions is used, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing precision and reliability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adapts its behavior based on the interaction mode. In the first interaction mode, the system interprets rotary actuation as speed specification and applies dynamic braking control. In the second interaction mode, the same rotary actuation is interpreted as direct position specification. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain precision across different operating conditions without requiring predefined mechanical positions or detents in the rotary control element itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If haptic feedback is continuously provided, then ease of operation improves, but use of energy worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiduse of energy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Haptic feedback in the form of vibratory sensations is provided periodically or intermittently rather than continuously. The vibratory actuator is activated at specific moments during operation to provide tactile cues about system state or confirm control actions, rather than running continuously. This periodic activation maintains operational awareness and ease of operation while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous haptic feedback

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3513259B1Control device and control method for industrial machines with controlled motion drives
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 KEBA AG
  • EP3513259B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3513259B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3513259B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a control device (2, 2') for industrial machines with controlled motion drives (13) for machine components. Said control device comprises at least one operating element (16) which is configured to manually influence or set adjustment movements of at least one of the machine components and which is designed as a rotary actuator operating element (17) comprising a continuously rotatable actuating member (18). Said rotary actuator operating element (17) and a push-button element (19) are connected to an electronic evaluation and control device (20) which is at least configured to provide a first and a second interactive mode (M1, M2). The first interactive mode (M1) is provided for setting a movement speed desired by the operator and a desired movement direction of a machine component to be controlled. In said first interactive mode (M1) the push-button element (19) must be actuated or activated and simultaneously or additionally the actuating member (18) of the rotary actuator operating element (17) must be adjusted. In the second interactive mode (M2) a rotary actuation of the actuating member (18) of the rotary actuator operating element (17) is enabled without simultaneous actuation of the push-button element (19). Instead of setting a movement speed, the position of a machine component is changed in proportion to the extent of the rotary actuation, in particular depending on the continuously swept rotational angle of the actuating member (18). The invention also relates to a corresponding control method.