Stepping Motor Control Device Degaussing Pulse Energy Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stepping motor control methods for timepieces suffer from low energy efficiency due to the need for large correction drive pulses to degauss residual magnetism, which reduces the energy available for hand movement.
Innovation Solution
A stepping motor control device that determines whether to add a degaussing pulse to the normal drive pulse based on the previous pulse applied, using a calculation unit to decide the energy of the degaussing pulse and applying it to cancel residual magnetic flux, thereby optimizing energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a correction drive pulse with large energy is applied to degauss residual magnetism, then the rotor can rotate properly, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to excessive energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a degaussing pulse only when necessary (when residual magnetism prevents rotor rotation) rather than continuously. The control unit detects rotor position and determines whether a degaussing pulse is needed, applying partial action only in specific conditions to avoid unnecessary energy consumption while ensuring reliable rotor rotation when required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pulse parameters dynamically based on rotor position and operational conditions. The degaussing pulse has different characteristics (duration, amplitude) from normal drive pulses, and the control unit adjusts pulse application based on detected rotor state, optimizing energy usage while maintaining rotation reliability
2Reliability
If energy given to stepping motor after correction driving is increased, then rotor rotation is ensured, but energy waste increases due to repeated degaussing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit detects rotor position and operational state, then determines whether a degaussing pulse is needed. This closed-loop control prevents unnecessary degaussing operations and optimizes energy usage by applying correction pulses only when the rotor fails to rotate properly
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit applies a degaussing pulse before normal drive pulses when residual magnetism is detected. This preliminary action eliminates residual magnetism in advance, preventing the need for repeated high-energy correction pulses and reducing overall energy consumption
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 enhances energy efficiency by ensuring that the stepping motor receives the necessary energy for rotation without unnecessary energy consumption, effectively canceling residual magnetic flux and maintaining efficient hand movement.
Implementation Method 1
a part of given energy is consumed to degauss residual magnetism due to application of the correction drive pulse
Data Source
AI summary
A stepping motor control device is configured to drive a stepping motor by applying a normal drive pulse or a fixed pulse having an energy larger than that of the normal drive pulse. The stepping motor control device includes a determination unit configured to, based on whether or not a pulse applied to the stepping motor before the normal drive pulse is the fixed pulse, determine whether or not to add a degaussing pulse is applied to the normal drive pulse, the degaussing pulse being a pulse for canceling a residual magnetic flux generated in a stator of the stepping motor when the fixed pulse; and a drive control unit configured to, based on a determination result of the determination unit, drive the stepping motor with the normal drive pulse to which the degaussing pulse is added.