Sealed Linear Motor Conveyor Track for Aseptic Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear motor conveyor systems are not designed to operate in aseptic environments, as they can form, collect, or propagate contaminants due to mechanical friction, lubricants, and structural features, which are unsuitable for sterile environments.
Innovation Solution
A linear motor conveyor system with modular track sections featuring a sealed stepped groove, angled guide rails, and dry lubrication, along with an internal cooling system and directional airflow, to maintain sterility and reduce friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional linear motor conveyor systems use bearings with lubricants to reduce friction, then movement smoothness is improved, but contamination risk increases in aseptic environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes traditional lubricants from the bearing system entirely, replacing them with dry lubrication materials that do not contaminate the aseptic environment while still providing the necessary friction reduction for smooth movement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the lubrication material from liquid/wet lubricants to solid dry lubricants, fundamentally altering the parameter of lubrication state to eliminate contamination while maintaining friction reduction benefits
2Object-affected harmful factors
If track sections are designed with sealed grooves to prevent contamination, then aseptic conditions are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the track into modular sections with standardized sealed groove designs, allowing the complex sealing feature to be manufactured once as a repeatable component rather than requiring custom sealing solutions for each track section
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses gaskets as flexible sealing elements that can be easily installed in the grooves between track sections, providing effective contamination barriers through simple compression sealing rather than complex rigid sealing mechanisms
3Ease of repair
If modular track sections are used to facilitate maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but connection sealing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the track into modular sections that can be independently removed and replaced, allowing maintenance personnel to access and service specific sections without disassembling the entire track system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates gaskets at the connection interfaces between modular sections, providing simple yet effective sealing that prevents contamination while allowing easy assembly and disassembly for maintenance purposes
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
The system effectively maintains aseptic conditions by minimizing contamination, reducing friction, and ensuring cleanliness, while allowing for easy maintenance without disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic force is produced by a linear motor track to move a moving element along a track
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic force supports the moving element on the track
Implementation Method 3
a bearing surface of the bearing is in contact with the guide rail... to reduce friction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A linear motor conveyor system including: at least one track section comprising: electronic circuitry housed within the track section; and a rotatable segment comprising an end profile that abuts another track section to form a stepped groove sealed by a gasket. A moving element for a linear motor conveyor system including: a body; a first set of bearings attached to the body and angled to abut against an a first guide rail of a conveyor system having a protrusion with opposing angled profiles; a second set of bearing attached to the body and designed to abut against a flat profile of a second guide rail of the conveyor system.