Wireless Power Controller for Electric Motors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in providing a consistent and efficient power supply to wireless electric motors in manufacturing environments is exacerbated by environmental factors, cable limitations, and inefficiencies in current wireless power transmission systems, leading to insufficient power delivery and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A controller-based system that assesses the available power from a source and adjusts the transmission of wireless signals to wireless motors, optimizing power distribution based on demand and environmental conditions, thereby ensuring efficient operation and reducing unnecessary power wastage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless power transmission is used to eliminate cables, then ease of operation and mobility are improved, but power delivery efficiency deteriorates due to environmental factors and signal blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual power received by wireless motors and compares it with the requested power level. When environmental factors cause power delivery to fall below the requested threshold, the system automatically adjusts transmission parameters or activates additional transmitters to compensate for the loss, ensuring consistent power delivery while maintaining wireless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes transmission parameters such as power level, frequency, and modulation depth based on real-time conditions. When signal blockage or environmental interference reduces power delivery efficiency, the transmitter adjusts these parameters to optimize the wireless power transmission and maintain the required power level at the motor.
2Reliability
If power is continuously transmitted to wireless motors, then power availability is improved, but energy wastage increases when motors do not require full power
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static continuous power transmission to dynamic adaptive power transmission. The power transmission level is continuously adjusted based on the motor's instantaneous power requirements, which are communicated through the control system. This ensures power is available when needed while minimizing energy wastage during low-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of transmitting full power continuously, the system transmits only the partial power level that is currently required by the motor. The transmission level is modulated to match the actual demand, avoiding the excessive action of continuous full-power transmission while maintaining sufficient power availability.
3Productivity
If multiple wireless motors are powered simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but power management complexity increases due to limited available power
Solution Approach 1:
The control system serves multiple functions: it manages power requests from multiple wireless motors, calculates available power from the source, prioritizes power allocation, and adjusts transmission parameters. This multi-functional approach consolidates power management tasks into a single intelligent controller, managing complexity while enabling simultaneous operation of multiple motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary power availability assessment before allocating power to multiple motors. By calculating the total available power from the source and comparing it with the combined power requests of all motors, the system proactively manages power distribution, preventing overallocation and simplifying real-time control decisions.
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 solution enhances power delivery efficiency, reduces maintenance requirements, and optimizes the operation of wireless motors by dynamically adjusting power transmission according to available resources and operational needs, improving overall system performance and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
Power is transmitted to the wireless electric motors using wireless signals
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for supplying power (112) to a group of wireless motors (104). A request (116) for the power (112) is received for the group of wireless motors (104) associated with a robot (119). An amount (120) of power (112) available is identified from a power source (108) for wireless transmission to the group of wireless motors (104). Operation of the group of wireless motors (104) is controlled based on the amount (120) of power (112) available.