Modular Carriage Transfer Alignment Using Magnetic Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transport systems face issues such as position shift during carriage transfer, limited carriage supply and extraction in closed transport paths, and increased costs due to unnecessary lock mechanisms for precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
A transport system with multiple modules and control units for precise position detection and correction, a carriage fixing mechanism for maintaining rigidity during processing, and a maintenance module for efficient carriage access and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a carriage is moved on a transfer apparatus to transfer between transport paths, then the carriage can be transferred to different stations, but a position shift occurs in the moving direction between the transfer apparatus and transport path, causing impact and making high speed traveling difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical stopper-based positioning system with a magnetic field-based positioning system. The carriage includes a magnet and the transport path includes a magnetic sensor that detects the magnet's position. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact and friction, enabling high-speed operation while maintaining precise positioning accuracy without impact at connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a magnetic sensor on the transport path continuously detects the position of the magnet on the carriage. This position information is fed back to a control unit that adjusts the carriage's position in real-time, ensuring accurate alignment between the carriage and transport path connection points, thereby eliminating position shifts and impact during high-speed operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If a stopper for mechanically fixing a carriage is provided to fix the carriage in a positioning position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to unnecessary lock mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely replaces the mechanical stopper and lock mechanism system with a magnetic field-based positioning system. The magnet on the carriage interacts with the magnetic sensor on the transport path to achieve precise positioning without any mechanical contact. This eliminates the complexity of mechanical lock mechanisms while maintaining or improving positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage's own magnet serves as both the positioning element and the identification element. The magnetic sensor detects the magnet's position and characteristics to automatically determine the carriage's location and status. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate mechanical stoppers and lock mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If a traveling carriage supply station is arranged only outside the turn table on the extension line of the transport path, then carriage supply is simplified, but the place where the carriage is extracted or supplied is limited and it is difficult to install in closed transport paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the carriage supply and extraction system to function at multiple locations along the transport path, not just at a single station outside the turn table. The magnetic positioning system can be implemented at any point along the transport path, enabling carriages to be supplied to and extracted from various locations including curved sections. This multi-functional capability allows the same basic mechanism to serve different purposes at different locations, greatly increasing adaptability to various transport path configurations including closed loops.
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
Enhances high-speed transportation, reduces the risk of damage, and lowers costs by improving position accuracy and reducing unnecessary lock mechanisms while enabling efficient carriage management.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet 21 and a magnetic sensor 14 that detects a position of the magnet 21
Implementation Method 2
a movable magnet type linear motor system is formed of combination of a needle having a plurality of N-pole permanent magnets and S-pole permanent magnets aligned in an alternating manner on a carriage, a stator having a plurality of coils aligned in the traveling direction of the carriage
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment includes: a first transport module on which a carriage moves; a second transport module that is configured to be able to move to a position for connecting to the first transport module and on which the carriage is able to move to and from the first transport module; a position detection unit that detects a position in a moving direction of the second transport module and outputs position information; a first control unit that controls motion of the carriage on the first transport module; a second control unit that controls motion of the carriage on the second transport module; a third control unit that controls motion of the second transport module; and a fourth control unit that controls the first to third control units. The fourth control unit corrects a position where the second transport module connects to the first transport module based on the position information.