Sensor-Governed Block Control for Customizable Drive Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drive apparatuses face challenges in achieving diversity and safety due to pre-developed control programs, which limit user customization and increase the risk of unsafe operation when third-party applications are used.
Innovation Solution
A drive apparatus comprising a controller that executes applications defined by multiple blocks, with sensors detecting driving states to ensure safe operation by inserting new blocks and adjusting the order of execution based on predefined conditions, thereby ensuring safety and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control programs are developed and stored in advance by the manufacturer, then the drive apparatus can operate reliably according to predefined sequences, but the apparatus lacks diversity and user customization capability
Solution Approach 1:
The control program is segmented into multiple independent blocks, each representing a discrete operation or function. These blocks can be individually selected, arranged, and executed based on user needs while maintaining reliable control through structured sequencing. The segmentation allows the system to provide both predefined reliability and user-defined versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control program structure transitions from static predefined sequences to dynamic user-configurable block arrangements. Users can dynamically select and arrange blocks according to specific application requirements, while the system maintains operational reliability through structured execution control and monitoring mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If third-party applications are allowed to control the drive unit, then user customization and application diversity increase, but safety risks arise from unverified control logic
Solution Approach 1:
Safety checks and validations are performed preliminarily on each block before execution. The system verifies block compatibility, parameter ranges, and operational constraints in advance, ensuring that even third-party applications maintain safe operation. This preliminary validation prevents unsafe control logic from causing harm while preserving application diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors execution states through sensors and provides feedback to verify that operations remain within safe parameters. This feedback mechanism allows third-party applications to run diverse control logic while maintaining safety through real-time state verification and automatic correction or termination of unsafe conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and block insertion mechanisms are implemented, then safety and customization capability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into modular blocks with standardized interfaces and clear definitions. Each block has specified input/output parameters and execution conditions, reducing overall system complexity through structured modularity. This segmentation enables safe customization while maintaining manageable system complexity through consistent block structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by controlling and standardizing parameters across blocks rather than allowing arbitrary changes. Parameter ranges, data types, and validation rules are predefined and enforced, enabling customization within bounded complexity. This parameter control allows diverse applications while preventing unmanageable system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, which is a drive apparatus, includes: a drive unit; a controller that obtains an application including a plurality of blocks, and executes the application to control the drive unit in accordance with the plurality of blocks; a first sensor; and a second sensor. Each of the plurality of blocks includes an end condition. When, during execution of a first block, the first driving state detected by the first sensor meets the end condition of the first block and the second driving state detected by the second sensor meets a block insertion condition, the controller: inserts a new block before a second block contiguous to the first block; and controls the drive unit in accordance with the new block and the second block.