Stepper Motor Coil Circuit for Fast Discharge and Energy Recirculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stepper motor technologies face limitations in increasing operating speed, particularly in applications where rapid energy discharge and re-circulation are necessary, such as for better fuel control, as they often dissipate energy rather than re-circulating it.

Innovation Solution

A recirculating fast discharge circuit is implemented, utilizing components like capacitors, transistors, and diodes to store energy during the discharge phase and re-circulate it during the drive phase, reducing the need for continuous power source draw and enhancing motor speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a traditional motor control circuit is used to discharge coil current, then the circuit structure is simple, but the discharge time is long and motor speed is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor operating speedVSAvoiddischarge time
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit performs preliminary action by charging the capacitor during the drive phase before discharge is needed. This pre-stored energy is then rapidly transferred to the coil during discharge, eliminating the need for slow traditional discharge paths and enabling faster motor response and higher operating speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitor acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the power source and the coil. It receives energy during the drive phase and releases it during discharge, mediating the energy transfer to achieve rapid current changes without directly connecting the power source, thus reducing discharge time and increasing motor speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If traditional energy dissipation methods are used in the motor circuit, then the circuit design is simple, but energy efficiency is low and continuous power draw is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidenergy dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of dissipating energy as heat in traditional circuits, this invention recovers energy by capturing it in a capacitor during the drive phase. The stored energy is then reused during the discharge phase, transforming what would be wasted energy into a useful resource that improves overall energy efficiency and reduces continuous power requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit maintains continuity of useful action by creating a closed energy loop where power is drawn from the capacitor during discharge rather than continuously from the external power source. This recirculating energy system ensures that energy remains in productive use throughout the motor cycle, improving efficiency and reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

This approach allows for faster discharge times and increased motor operating speed by re-circulating energy, thereby improving response times and efficiency compared to traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

a recirculating fast discharge circuit for a coil may be provided. In some embodiments, the coil may be associated with a motor (e.g., a stepper motor), a solenoid, etc.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

utilizing components like capacitors, transistors, and diodes to store energy during the discharge phase and re-circulate it during the drive phase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTransistor switching:

Implementation Method 3

utilizing components like capacitors, transistors, and diodes to store energy during the discharge phase and re-circulate it during the drive phase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiode rectification: Diode

Implementation Method 4

When a stepper motor is commanded to step, a current in a polarity changing coil must first be discharged and then driven in the opposite direction. While the current is discharging, the coil continues to exert force on a rotor of the motor.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2709264B1Motor speed enhancement
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP
  • EP2709264B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

Embodiments are directed to commanding, by a controller, a step in connection width a stepper motor, discharging a current in a coil of the stepper motor by transferring the current to a capacitor coupled to the coil responsive to the commanded step, and driving a current in the coil by using charge stored on the capacitor during the discharging of the current in the coil.