Linear Carrier Position Detection With Magnetic Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing linear transport apparatus experiences a decrease in position detection accuracy when carriers approach each other due to magnetic interference between the magnets on the carriers, causing the Hall element to detect the wrong magnetic field.
Innovation Solution
A position detector is implemented with a position detection magnet unit on each carrier, featuring alternately arranged magnetic poles and side magnetic shielding portions, and a position detection unit on the transport rail with magnetic detection elements and substrate-side magnetic shielding, to prevent magnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If carriers are equipped with magnets for position detection, then position detection function is enabled, but magnetic interference occurs when carriers approach each other causing detection accuracy to decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic shielding portions are introduced as intermediary elements between the magnets on different carriers. These shielding portions act as mediators that redirect and block magnetic field lines, preventing the magnetic field from one carrier from interfering with the position detection magnets of adjacent carriers. The shielding portions are strategically positioned at the ends of the carrier and on the back side of the processing substrate to create magnetic field barriers that maintain detection accuracy even when carriers are in close proximity.
2Ease of operation
If Hall elements are used to detect magnetic fields of position detection magnets, then position detection is achieved, but the Hall element detects wrong magnetic fields when carriers are close together
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic shielding portions convert the harmful magnetic interference into a beneficial configuration by redirecting magnetic field lines. Instead of allowing magnetic fields to spread and cause interference, the shielding portions channel and contain the magnetic fields within specific regions. This transformation ensures that each Hall element detects only the magnetic field from its corresponding position detection magnet on the target carrier, even when other carriers are in close proximity, thereby maintaining accurate position detection.
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 position detector effectively prevents a decrease in position detection accuracy even when carriers approach each other, by blocking unwanted magnetic fields with shielding portions, ensuring accurate position detection.
Implementation Method 1
side magnetic shielding portions installed at ends of the position detection magnet unit in the transport direction of the carriers... substrate-side magnetic shielding portion opposite the magnetic detection elements, the substrate-side magnetic shielding portion being installed on a back side of the processing substrate
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of magnetic detection elements disposed side by side in the transport direction of the carriers on a front side of the processing substrate... the magnetic detection elements detect the magnetic fields to thereby allow the linear transport apparatus disclosed in Patent Literature 1 to detect the positions of the carriers
Data Source
AI summary
A position detector includes a position detection magnet unit installed at each of a plurality of carriers, and a position detection unit. The position detection magnet unit includes a plurality of magnets disposed such that different magnetic poles are arranged alternately in a transport direction of the carriers, and side magnetic shielding portions installed at the ends of the position detection magnet unit. The position detection unit includes: a processing substrate disposed in parallel to the transport direction of the carriers; a plurality of magnetic detection elements disposed side by side in the transport direction of the carriers on a front side of the processing substrate; and a substrate-side magnetic shielding portion opposite the magnetic detection elements, the substrate-side magnetic shielding portion being installed on a back side of the processing substrate.