Servomotor Load Diagnosis Using Torque Direction Consistency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional abnormality detection devices for servomotors rely on relative load values and change rates, making it difficult to evaluate the load state absolutely, leading to ambiguous threshold settings and impractical determinations.

Innovation Solution

A load state diagnosis device and method for servomotors that detect the rotational direction of torque by measuring command current values, determining consistency with the predetermined rotational drive direction, and outputting a load index to provide an absolute evaluation of the load state, thereby avoiding unnecessary force application and potential tool deterioration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional abnormality detection devices use relative load values and change rates to detect abnormalities, then real-time abnormality detection can be achieved, but the load state cannot be absolutely evaluated and threshold settings become ambiguous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabnormality detection accuracyVSAvoidthreshold setting clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter from relative load values to rotational direction of torque, which provides an absolute evaluation criterion. By detecting whether the torque rotational direction matches the predetermined drive direction, the system eliminates the need for ambiguous threshold settings while maintaining reliable abnormality detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If absolute evaluation of load state is implemented, then clear determination standards can be established, but conventional detection methods based on relative values and change rates cannot be used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetermination standard clarityVSAvoidabnormality detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical detection approach (measuring load magnitude and change rates) with a directional detection approach. By using a detection unit to measure the rotational direction of torque through command current values, the system achieves absolute evaluation while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If rotational direction of torque is detected by measuring command current values, then absolute load state evaluation becomes possible, but additional detection functionality is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload state evaluation accuracyVSAvoiddetection mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses command current values as an intermediary to indirectly detect the rotational direction of torque. Instead of directly measuring torque direction, the system measures the command current values from the servo driver, which represent the torque direction, thereby achieving precise load state evaluation without complex direct torque measurement mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables absolute evaluation of the load state of servomotors, reducing maintenance costs by monitoring torque direction inconsistencies and adjusting control parameters to prevent overload and deterioration, applicable across various rotary tools and processing conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a detection part that detects a rotational direction of a torque acting on the servomotor by measuring a command current value for the servomotor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical measurement: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentEP3499327B1Load state diagnosis device and load state diagnosis method for servomotor
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 OMRON CORP
  • EP3499327B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3499327B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3499327B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There are provided a load state diagnosis device and a load state diagnosis method for a servomotor that can diagnose the present load state of a servomotor with an absolute evaluation index regardless of rotary tool types, processing conditions and differences in machines. A PLC 10 diagnoses the load state of the servomotor 2 which rotationally drives a rotary tool 1 in a predetermined rotational drive direction at a constant speed. The PLC 10 includes a detection part 12 that detects the rotational direction of a torque acting on the servomotor 2, a determination part 13 that determines whether the rotational direction of the torque detected by the detection part 12 is consistent with the predetermined rotational drive direction, and a load index output part 14 that outputs a load index indicating the load state of the servomotor 2 based on a determination result of the determination part 13.