Described herein is a system, method of use and Self Retracting Lifeline (SRL) apparatus using a system that governs a dynamic response between members causing a halt in relative motion between the members. Magnetic interactions, eddy current drag forces and centrifugal and/or inertial forces may provide various mechanisms of governing movement.

A method may include receiving, via a processor, a request to enable movement of a rotor. The method may involve sending a first signal to a mechanical relay system in response to receiving the request, such that the second signal may cause a mechanical relay to close. The mechanical relay system is configured to couple a first conductor to an EM brake. The method may also include sending a second signal to a solid-state relay system after sending the first signal to the mechanical relay system, such that the second signal may cause a solid-state relay to close. The solid-state relay system may couple a second conductor to the EM brake, such that the EM brake may open after receiving power via the first conductor and the second conductor.

A system and method having a magnetic brake apparatus configured to be operable for slowing or stopping motion with magnetic or electromagnetic force. An electromagnetic coil appliance generates the magnetic or electromagnetic force when power is applied to the electromagnetic coil appliance. A brake control module is configured to be operable for controlling the magnetic brake apparatus. A controller implement of the brake control module is configured to be operable for processing a program instruction to control an operation of the magnetic brake apparatus where a full-bridge driver coupled to the controller implement, applies power the electromagnetic coil appliance. A receiver device is configured to supply a control signal to the controller implement.

An inductive-load control circuit includes a circuit board on or in which a controller and a driving circuit are disposed, an inductive load disposed at a location apart from the circuit board and connected to the driving circuit of the circuit board, a detection resistor group included in the driving circuit and connected in series with the inductive load, and a temperature measuring element. The detection resistor group includes resistors. The temperature measuring element is disposed between the resistors. The controller and the driving circuit are supplied with electric power by a power supply. The driving circuit controls the electric power supplied by the power supply and applies the electric power to the inductive load. The circuit board has a signal ground connected to the controller and a power ground connected to the detection resistor group of the driving circuit. The temperature measuring element is connected to the power ground.

Described herein are braking mechanisms and related methods of using eddy current interactions to resist relative movement between members, the magnetic flux about an eddy current region being modified beyond an inherent drag effect resulting from a simple magnetic pole arrangement.

A dual motor powered compact drive comprises two electrical motors powering the planetary gear mechanism. The dual drive can provide variable speed and torque. A single electric motor operated braking system with a screw-driven wedged brake pads is described using a compact test set-up. The system comprises at least one motor and a screw shaft connected to transmit the power to a sliding plunger, and braking pads located on a braking disc, and a force sensor applied to measure the braking force, and a device to measure the parameters of the braking motor and the parameters are used as the inputs to establish a control strategy. Systems and methods for monitoring a battery pack including multiple cells are provided. The battery management system further comprises a control strategy for implementing a balancing algorithm. A balancing strategy comprises a determination of battery cells to be balanced, and a calculated balancing current.

A dual motor powered compact drive comprises two electrical motors powering the planetary gear mechanism. The dual drive can provide variable speed and torque. A single electric motor operated braking system with a screw-driven wedged brake pads is described using a compact test set-up. The system comprises at least one motor and a screw shaft connected to transmit the power to a sliding plunger, and braking pads located on a braking disc, and a force sensor applied to measure the braking force, and a device to measure the parameters of the braking motor and the parameters are used as the inputs to establish a control strategy. Systems and methods for monitoring a battery pack including multiple cells are provided. The battery management system further comprises a control strategy for implementing a balancing algorithm. A balancing strategy comprises a determination of battery cells to be balanced, and a calculated balancing current.

A drive device capable of allowing a brake operation of a braking mechanism of the drive device to suppress a mechanical load applied to a mechanism unit (i.e., a robot mechanical section) provided with the drive device. The drive device includes a first braking mechanism provided in a first motor to execute a first brake operation on an operation shaft, a second braking mechanism provided in a second motor to execute a second brake operation on the operation shaft, and a brake controller configured to control the first braking mechanism and the second braking mechanism to allow the first brake operation and the second brake operation to be continuously executed after starting the first brake operation before starting the second brake operation.

A system for backdrivability control of end effectors in robotic systems is described. In one example, a brake assembly for backdrivability control includes a frame having a clearance area. The brake assembly is positioned so that the rotor of the motor extends through the clearance area. The brake assembly includes a brake band secured at one distal end along the clearance area, extending around a periphery of the clearance area, and secured at a second distal end at a flexure arm of the frame. The brake assembly also includes a brake actuator including a permanent magnet at the distal end of the flexure arm and an electromagnet secured to the fame. The brake actuator can be energized to tighten the brake band around the rotor of the motor, arresting or dampening motion of the end effector for certain movements.

Described herein is a system, method of use and Self Retracting Lifeline (SRL) apparatus using a system that governs a dynamic response between members causing a halt in relative motion between the members. Magnetic interactions, eddy current drag forces and centrifugal and/or inertial forces may provide various mechanisms of governing movement.