Stepping Motor Control Circuit for Timepiece Rotation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stepping motor control systems for analogue electronic timepieces face issues with accurate determination of rotor rotation due to variations in mass production, leading to potential non-rotating states and impaired timekeeping functions, particularly due to high detent torques and fluctuations in load, which result in erroneous pulse adjustments and increased circuit complexity.
Innovation Solution
A stepping motor control circuit that divides the detection segment into multiple segments (at least three) to detect the rotation state based on a predetermined reference threshold voltage, allowing for precise control of main drive pulses and corrective drive pulses to prevent non-rotating states, ensuring accurate clocking actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the detection segment is divided into multiple segments to improve rotation detection accuracy, then the reliability of rotation state determination is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection segment is divided into multiple sub-segments (first detection segment, second detection segment, third detection segment) to enable more precise detection of the detection signal timing. This segmentation allows the system to determine whether the rotor is rotating by checking if the detection signal exceeds the reference threshold voltage within specific time windows, thereby improving rotation state determination accuracy without requiring complex additional hardware.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the main drive pulse energy is reduced to lower power consumption, then the energy efficiency is improved, but the rotor may enter non-rotating state due to insufficient drive capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the detection signal (induced voltage) to monitor the rotor's rotation state. When the detection signal exceeds the reference threshold voltage within the detection segment, it indicates the rotor is rotating properly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to use minimal drive pulse energy while ensuring reliable rotation by adjusting drive pulses based on actual rotation detection results.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the drive pulse rank is moved downward to reduce energy consumption, then the power efficiency is improved, but the delay in rotation response occurs leading to impaired timepiece function
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the detection signal within divided detection segments before making drive pulse adjustments. By checking whether the detection signal exceeds the reference threshold in specific time windows (first, second, third detection segments), the system can proactively determine rotation state and adjust drive pulse rank accordingly, preventing delays in rotation response while maintaining energy efficiency.
4Measurement precision
If the detection threshold is set low to improve sensitivity, then the detection capability is improved, but the discrimination accuracy between rotating and non-rotating states deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection segment is divided into multiple sub-segments to provide temporal context for detection signal analysis. By examining whether the detection signal exceeds the reference threshold voltage within specific time windows (first, second, third detection segments), the system achieves both sensitivity and discrimination accuracy. The segmented approach allows the system to distinguish between transient signals and genuine rotation indicators, preventing erroneous determination.
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
The solution effectively prevents main drive pulses from being adjusted to non-rotating states, enhancing the accuracy of clocking actions and reducing power consumption by accurately determining reserved drive capacity and minimizing erroneous determinations.
Implementation Method 1
by detecting a detection signal on the basis of an induced voltage generated in the stepping motor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention aims to prevent a main drive pulse from being moved to a rank having a potential to cause a non-rotating state. A detection segment for detecting a rotating state of a stepping motor is divided into a first segment immediately after the drive with a main drive pulse, a second segment, and a third segment and, when the stepping motor is rotated by the main drive pulse, the main drive pulse is not changed when a detection signal exceeding a reference threshold voltage is detected at least in the first and second segments. When it is detected only in the first and third segments, or detected only in the third segment, the rank is moved upward and, when it is not detected in any segment, or detected only in the first segment, the rank is moved upward after the drive with a corrective drive pulse. When it is detected only in the second segment or detected only in the second and third segments, the rank is moved downward.