Chain Support Structure for Planar Motor Stator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional planar motors face issues with exposed power and air supply wires and pipelines, leading to potential damage and reduced accuracy due to chain abrasion against the stator, increasing maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A chain support structure comprising a fixing base, support arm, and load-bearing member that supports the chain from its gravity direction, preventing sag and friction with the stator, thereby enhancing accuracy and reducing maintenance needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a chain is disposed on the stator to connect the mover to the outside, then the wire and pipeline can be connected via the chain, but the chain will rub against the stator causing abrasion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection convenienceVSAvoidchain abrasion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a guide structure as an intermediary component between the chain and the stator. This guide structure confines the chain to a specific path, preventing direct contact between the chain and the stator surface, thereby eliminating abrasion while maintaining the chain's function as a mediator for power and air supply connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the chain is allowed to hang freely, then it can move with the mover, but the chain will sag due to gravity and rub against the stator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechain mobilityVSAvoidgravity-induced sagging

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the chain from a two-dimensional planar movement on the stator surface to a three-dimensional configuration using vertical guide structures. The guide structures extend in the vertical dimension, allowing the chain to maintain mobility while being supported against gravitational sagging through vertical confinement rather than horizontal contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the chain rubs against the stator, then connection is maintained, but movement accuracy is reduced due to abrasion dust

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidmover movement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harmful effect of chain weight and sagging into a beneficial constraint mechanism. The guide structures utilize the chain's natural tendency to sag and seek a lowest energy state to maintain firm contact with the guide walls, ensuring stable connection while preventing contact with the stator surface that would generate abrasive dust.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Measurement precision

If frequent maintenance is performed to ensure accuracy, then movement accuracy is maintained, but maintenance cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement accuracyVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary protective action by installing guide structures before any abrasion can occur. These guide structures prevent the root cause of abrasion (chain contact with stator) from the beginning, eliminating the need for frequent maintenance and associated costs while preserving movement accuracy throughout the system's operational life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7579721B2Chain support structure for a planar motor

Publication Date: 2009.08.25 HIWIN MIKROSYST

AI summary

A chain support structure for a planar motor comprises: a fixing base, a support arm and a load-bearing member, the fixing base is fixed to the stator, the support arm has one end connected to the fixing base and has the other end connected to the load-bearing member, respectively, and the load-bearing member supports the chain from the gravity direction of the chain the chain, so as to prevent the chain from the gravity-caused sag of the chain, and prevent the abrasion or damage caused by the chain rubbing against the stator.