Dual-Motor Vibratory Conveyor Control Using Shaft Position Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibratory conveyor devices face challenges in accurately controlling the direction of vibration due to unknown angles of eccentricity in the rotary shafts of the vibration motors, leading to inconsistent and unpredictable movement of conveyed materials.

Innovation Solution

A vibration generating device with two vibration motors, each equipped with a sensor to detect the rotating position of its rotary shaft, allowing precise control over the direction of vibration by adjusting the motors' rotation, combined with a control system to synchronize their operation and ensure accurate positioning of the conveyor trough.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If vibration motors are used without sensors to detect rotary shaft position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of vibration direction cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration direction control precisionVSAvoidsensor and control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by using sensors to detect the actual rotary shaft positions of the vibration motors and using this detection information to adjust the drive signals. The control unit modifies the drive signals based on the detected positions to achieve the desired vibration direction, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures precise vibration direction control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical positioning methods with sensor-based detection and electronic control. Instead of relying on mechanical alignment or fixed positioning of the vibration motors, the system uses sensors to detect rotary shaft positions and electronically adjusts the drive signals to achieve precise vibration direction control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the angle of eccentricity of the rotary shaft is unknown, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of vibration direction control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration direction control reliabilityVSAvoidsensor and control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit uses feedback from the sensors to continuously monitor the actual rotary shaft positions and adjusts the drive signals accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable vibration direction control by compensating for any deviations from the desired position, making the system robust against variations in motor characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters by dynamically adjusting the drive signals based on detected rotary shaft positions. The control unit modifies phase relationships and rotational speeds of the vibration motors to achieve the desired vibration direction, allowing flexible and reliable control without fixed mechanical constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If sensors are added to detect rotary shaft position, then the manufacturing precision of vibration direction is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration direction control precisionVSAvoidsensor and control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to detect rotary shaft positions and using this information to adjust drive signals. The control unit processes the detection information and modifies the drive signals to achieve precise vibration direction control, creating a closed-loop system that maintains high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit performs multiple functions: it generates drive signals for the vibration motors, processes detection information from sensors, adjusts phase relationships, and modifies rotational speeds. This multi-functional control unit consolidates various control tasks into a single device, reducing overall system complexity despite the addition of sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables precise control over the direction and positioning of conveyed materials, enhancing the stability and efficiency of the conveyor system by accurately adjusting the vibration direction and reducing material overlap.

Implementation Method 1

the vibration motor is formed by two reference motors and one deflected motor... the angle of eccentricity (position of eccentric weight) of the rotary shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric rotation: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP4140603B1Vibration generating device, control method for vibration generating device, and pickup system
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP4140603B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4140603B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4140603B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A vibration generating device includes: a trough where a workpiece is placed; a first vibration motor and a second vibration motor whose rotary shafts are laid along a horizontal direction and parallel to each other; a transmission unit where the first vibration motor and the second vibration motor are arranged and that transmits a vibration of the first vibration motor and the second vibration motor to the trough; a first sensor detecting a rotating position of the rotary shaft of the first vibration motor; and a second sensor detecting a rotating position of the rotary shaft of the second vibration motor.