Smart Servo Motor Assembly for Daisy-Chain ID Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-axis control devices using smart servo motors require extensive effort and time to reset identification codes for all motors, especially in systems with many motors, and disconnecting motors from the network is necessary when identification codes are unknown or incorrect.

Innovation Solution

A smart servo motor system that allows individual motors to be accessed through a 'special ID communication mode' without resetting others, enabling retrieval and modification of unique IDs and motion parameters via a push button operation, even when connected in a daisy chain network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the identification code setting mode is established and all smart servo motors are reset to a predetermined identification code, then the identification code can be set in sequence for all motors, but a lot of time and effort is required to reset the identification code for all smart servo motors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of setting identification codeVSAvoidtime required to reset identification code
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the identification code setting process into individual motor-level operations rather than requiring system-wide resetting. Each smart servo motor can be independently accessed and configured through push button operations, allowing operators to set or verify identification codes for specific motors without affecting others in the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The smart servo motor incorporates self-diagnostic and self-configuration capabilities through push button operations. The motor can autonomously enter identification code setting mode, display its current identification code, and accept new codes without requiring external resetting of the entire system, enabling operators to perform maintenance tasks efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of repair

If the identification code is unknown or incorrect for one smart servo motor, then the motor can be checked and reconfigured, but the motor has to be disconnected from the connection network which requires a lot of effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of checking identification codeVSAvoidease of accessing motor parameters
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces push button operations as an intermediary interface between the operator and the smart servo motor's internal parameters. Through these buttons, operators can access the motor's identification code and motion parameters, display them on indicators, and modify them without needing to physically disconnect the motor from the network or use complex diagnostic tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Extent of automation

If multiple smart servo motors are connected in a network, then centralized control is achieved, but resetting the identification code for one motor requires resetting all motors in the network

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentralized control capabilityVSAvoidefficiency of motor configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the identification code configuration authority to the individual motor level while maintaining centralized control through the communication network. Each motor can independently respond to identification code setting commands received via the network, allowing selective reconfiguration of specific motors without requiring system-wide resetting, thus improving configuration efficiency in automated systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3771089B1Actuator assembly using a plurality of smart servo motors
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 ROBOTSHOP JAPAN CO LTD
  • EP3771089B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3771089B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3771089B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a smart servo motor capable of allowing communication without using any unique ID and an actuator assembly using such smart servo motors. A main controller 11 is connected to a plurality of smart servo motors 1-1... 1-N via a single communication path 13, where the main controller 11 can communicate with the individual smart servo motors using their unique IDs. Operating a selector of one smart servo motor 1-u permits communication between the smart servo motor 1-u and the main controller 11 with a special ID such as code "255". With this communication, the main controller 11 can retrieve the unique ID assigned to the smart servo motor 1-u.