Articulated Conveying Elements for Compact Linear Motor Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport systems for packaging machines have large radii of curvature and increased wear due to slipping movements, leading to inefficient use of space and reduced maintenance intervals, especially in curved areas.
Innovation Solution
The transport device features articulated conveying elements with independently movable partial elements connected by joints, allowing for smaller curve radii and increased carrying capacity, along with a modular structure and linear motor drive for stable and dynamic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the radius of curvature is reduced to save space, then the installation space is reduced, but the air gap between the arched primary part and the permanent magnets becomes variable, affecting drive performance
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying element is divided into multiple articulated partial elements (first partial element, second partial element, etc.) connected by joints. This segmentation allows each segment to independently adjust its position, enabling the conveying element to follow the curved running rail while maintaining a constant air gap with the permanent magnets, thus resolving the contradiction between compact space and reliable drive performance.
2Area of stationary object
If the radius of curvature is reduced to save space, then the installation space is reduced, but wear increases due to slipping movement of rollers
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying element is designed with articulated joints that allow dynamic adjustment of each partial element's position. This dynamic structure enables the rollers to maintain optimal contact with the running rail in curved areas without slipping, reducing wear and extending maintenance intervals while achieving compact installation space.
3Quantity of substance
If the number of rollers is increased to improve carrying capacity, then the carrying capacity increases, but the complexity of the conveying element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying element is segmented into multiple partial elements connected by joints, with rollers distributed across these segments. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high carrying capacity through multiple rollers while maintaining modular complexity, as each joint connects standardized partial elements that can be independently manufactured and assembled.
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 design results in a compact, space-saving system with reduced wear and increased reliability, enabling smaller deflection radii and improved maintenance intervals, while maintaining a constant air gap between magnets and coils, ensuring efficient product conveyance.
Implementation Method 1
a linear motor drive device (4), in particular comprising a plurality of coils (6) arranged in the running rail (3) and a plurality of permanent magnets (5) arranged on the conveying elements (2), for generating an electromagnetic feed force
Implementation Method 2
The individual chain links are articulated and driven by a linear motor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a transporting apparatus for conveying a product, comprising a movable conveying element (2) for conveying the product, also comprising a fixed-location running rail (3), which is arranged all the way round and defines a running track for the conveying element (2), and further comprising a linear-motor-drive means (4) for driving the conveying element (2), wherein the conveying element (2) has a permanent magnet (5) which is in operative connection with coils (6) of the linear-motor-drive means (4), and wherein the conveying element (2) has at least a first sub-element (22) and a second sub-element (23), which are connected to one another in an articulated manner by means of an articulation (7).