US 7,646,155 B2Granted

Generic motor control system

AssigneeBalck & Decker Inc.

InventorsSamuel G Woods, Michael K Forster, John C Vanko, Daniele C Brotto, Brian R Crowell, Jason K Leh

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Abstract

A method for controlling the operation of a motor utilizing a generic motor control module. The method includes sampling at least one motor operating criterion during operation of the motor and executing a generic control algorithm at a predetermined periodic interval. Execution of the algorithm provides a firing angle, duty cycle, or other suitable control function solution for an electronic valve for each periodic interval, thereby controlling the behavior of the motor. Additionally, the method includes firing the electronic valve at the calculated timing during each periodic interval such that the motor functions in accordance with desired motor operational parameters.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A motor control module adapted to universally control any of a plurality of motors utilized in a plurality of differing implementations, said motor control module comprising:

a first memory device adapted to store a generic control algorithm and at least one programmable variable utilized during execution of the generic control algorithm;
a second memory device adapted to store at least one programmable constant that represents a function parameter relating to a specific functionality of a specific, selected motor used in a specific, selected motor application;
and
a processor adapted to execute the generic control algorithm implementing the variable and the constant to transform the generic control algorithm from a non-tool-specific format into a tool-specific format specifically suited for controlling the specific, selected motor used in the specific, selected motor application;
wherein the at least one programmable constant comprises at least one of:
a non-motor function parameter relating to the specific application of the specific, selected motor;
a motor function parameter relating to an operational parameter of the specific, selected motor used in the specific application;
at least one look-up table utilized as a transfer function accessible during execution of the generic control algorithm, the look-up table comprising a plurality of predetermined timing solutions for controlling a flow of current through the specific, selected motor;
and
wherein the timing solution comprises a firing angle solution for controlling the operation of an electronic valve configured to control the flow of current through the specific, selected motor.

7 more elements

A method for controlling a motor utilizing a universal control module, said method comprising:

storing a generic control algorithm in the universal control module, the generic control algorithm including at least one programmable constant;
electrically connecting the universal control module to a selected one of a plurality of different motors;
executing the generic control algorithm incorporating the programmable constant to:
transform the generic control algorithm from a non-application-specific format into an application-specific format specifically suited for controlling the selected motor used in a specific, selected motor application;
and
generate a timing solution for controlling a flow of current through the selected motor so that operation of the selected motor is tailored in accordance with performance parameters of a specific, selected application of the selected motor;
wherein the constant comprises at least one of:
a non-motor function parameter relating to the specific, selected application of the selected motor;
and
a motor function parameter relating to an operational parameter of the selected motor used in the specific, selected application;
operating an electronic valve in accordance with the timing solution to control the flow of current through the selected motor;
and
wherein the plurality of motors comprises at least one of:
a plurality of different motors having at least one of a different size, a different operational rating and a different type, and the motors are adaptable for use in a plurality of differing motor application requiring differing motor performance parameters;
and
a plurality of substantially similar motors adaptable for use in a plurality of differing motor application requiring differing motor performance parameters.

13 more elements

A method for controlling a motor utilizing a universal control module, said method comprising:

storing a generic control algorithm in the universal control module, the generic control algorithm including at least one programmable constant;
electrically connecting the universal control module to a selected one of a plurality of different motors;
executing the generic control algorithm incorporating the programmable constant to:
transform the generic control algorithm from a non-application-specific format into an application-specific format specifically suited for controlling the selected motor used in a specific, selected motor application;
and
generate a timing solution for controlling a flow of current through the selected motor so that operation of the selected motor is tailored in accordance with performance parameters of a specific, selected application of the motor;
wherein the constant comprises at least one of:
a non-motor function parameter relating to the specific application of the selected motor;
and
a motor function parameter relating to an operational parameter of the selected motor used in the specific application;
operating an electronic valve in accordance with the timing solution to control the flow of current through the selected motor;
and
wherein executing the generic control algorithm includes:
sampling at least one motor operating criterion during operation of the selected motor, the selected motor operating criterion being representative of a pertinent motor input;
and
utilizing the selected motor operation criterion as an input to the generic control algorithm during execution of the generic control algorithm.

13 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 11/159,948Filed 23 Jun 2005 · continuation in part
Priority: 30 Apr 2003
Published: US 2005/0237011 A127 Oct 2005
Granted: 12 Jan 2010
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification6 codes

H02P 25/14
Commutator motors, e.g. repulsion motors: universal motors
H02P 29/00
Arrangements for regulating or controlling electric motors, appropriate for both ac and
H02P 29/40
Arrangements for regulating or controlling electric motors, appropriate for both AC and DC motors: regulating or controlling the amount of current…
Y10S 388/937
Specific application:: hand tool

Family

Application10/426,589Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 30 Apr 2003
US 2005/0237011 A1Pre-grant publication · published 27 Oct 2005
US 7,102,303 B2Parent of this continuation-in-part
US 2004/0217721 A1Published application
US 7,646,155 B2This patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.