Ultrasonic Motor Control via Variable Waveform Drive Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultrasonic motors in surveying instruments face challenges in controlling rotation speed across different operation modes, particularly experiencing noise issues during low-speed intermittent driving, which affects smoothness and noise levels.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling ultrasonic motors using variable frequency drive signals, with specific waveform adjustments based on rotation speed and operation mode, including square, triangular, and continuous signal patterns to manage noise and smoothness across different speed ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If intermittent driving is performed to achieve low-speed rotation, then rotation speed control is improved, but abnormal noise occurs at rises and falls of the drive signal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation speedVSAvoidabnormal noise
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drive signal waveform is dynamically changed based on the current rotation speed. When rotation speed is low, a triangular waveform is used to reduce noise. When rotation speed is high, a square waveform is used for efficient driving. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between achieving low-speed control and minimizing noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The waveform parameter of the drive signal is changed according to rotation speed conditions. By switching between triangular and square waveforms based on speed thresholds, the system optimizes both noise reduction at low speeds and driving efficiency at high speeds, resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If signal waveform is made larger to improve rotation smoothness, then rotation smoothness is improved, but noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation smoothnessVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drive signal waveform is dynamically selected based on rotation speed. At low speeds where smoothness is critical, a triangular waveform is used. At high speeds where noise is less problematic, a square waveform is used. This resolves the contradiction between smoothness and noise by adapting to operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The waveform parameter (triangular vs square) is changed based on rotation speed conditions. This parameter change allows the system to achieve smooth rotation when needed while minimizing noise when possible, resolving the trade-off between these two characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If ultrasonic motor rotates at low speed during continuous driving, then low-speed rotation is achieved, but it becomes difficult to maintain continuous operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelow-speed rotationVSAvoidcontinuous driving capability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses intermittent periodic driving with on/off cycles to achieve low-speed rotation. By controlling the duty cycle and timing of drive signal application, the motor can operate at low speeds while maintaining continuous functional operation through repeated activation cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The drive mode is dynamically switched between continuous and intermittent based on required rotation speed. At low speeds, intermittent driving is employed to maintain continuous operational capability. At higher speeds, continuous driving is used for sustained operation, resolving the contradiction between low-speed achievement and continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 method effectively meets rotation speed requirements and operation mode demands by reducing noise and ensuring smooth operation across various speed ranges, enhancing performance in manual, automatic collimation, and tracking modes.

Implementation Method 1

an ultrasonic motor (5, 12) that rotates a rotary shaft (6, 11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3236578B1Control of ultrasonic motor in surveying instrument
Publication Date: 2019.03.20 TOPCON CORPORATION
  • EP3236578B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3236578B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3236578B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a method for controlling an ultrasonic motor (5, 12) driving a rotary shaft (6, 11) in a surveying instrument (1), featuring a plurality of operation modes by setting an AC voltage amplitude modulated drive signal according to the rotation speed. In a speed range from zero (V0) to a first speed (V1), a first drive signal (S1) with square wave modulation is applied. In a speed range from the first speed (V1) to a second speed (V2), a second drive signal (S2) with sloped rising or falling edges (FT) is applied. In a speed range from the second speed (V2) to a third speed (V3), a third drive signal (S3) with sloped rising and falling edges (RT, FT) is applied. In a speed range higher than the third speed (V3), a fourth drive signal (S4) is continuously applied.