Closed Loop Conveying System with Magnetic Return Branch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveying systems with closed loop paths using linear motor drives are expensive, and when conventional conveyor apparatuses are used for the return branch, there is a loss of control over the speed and position of puck carriers, leading to inaccurate motion control.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a conveyor with ferromagnetic parts in the return branch, where puck carriers are retained via magnetic interaction with a magnet, allowing for precise control of speed and position, reducing costs compared to linear motor drive systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conveying apparatus with a linear motor drive is used for the active branch, then precise control of puck carrier speed and position is achieved, but the system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying system is divided into two distinct branches: the active branch uses a linear motor drive for precise control, while the return branch uses a conventional conveyor with ferromagnetic parts and magnetic retention. This segmentation allows each branch to be optimized independently, reducing overall system cost while maintaining necessary precision where required.
Solution Approach 2:
Precise control capabilities are applied locally only where necessary (active branch with operating stations), while the return branch uses a simpler, less expensive control mechanism. The ferromagnetic parts and magnets provide sufficient control for the return journey without the high cost of linear motor technology throughout the entire system.
2Ease of manufacture
If a conventional conveyor apparatus is used for the return branch, then system cost is reduced, but control over puck carrier speed and position is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Ferromagnetic parts are introduced as an intermediary element between the conventional conveyor and the puck carriers. These parts interact with magnets on the puck carriers to provide magnetic retention and controlled interaction, enabling speed and position control on the conventional conveyor without requiring expensive linear motor technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems (linear motors) with a magnetic field-based control system using ferromagnetic parts and magnets. This substitution maintains control capabilities while significantly reducing system complexity and cost on the return branch.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the conveying speed of puck carriers is varied at loading and unloading stations, then article damage is prevented, but the complexity of speed control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses feedback from sensors to monitor puck carrier position and speed, automatically adjusting motor commands to achieve desired speed profiles at loading and unloading stations. This closed-loop control handles the complexity of speed variation automatically, preventing article damage without requiring manual intervention or overly complex mechanical mechanisms.
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 solution enables precise control of puck carrier motion along the return branch while reducing system costs, maintaining high production efficiency and flexibility in conveying speed and position.
Implementation Method 1
the puck carriers are retained on the conveyor by effect of the magnetic interaction between the magnet placed on the puck carrier and the ferromagnetic parts of the conveyor
Implementation Method 2
the puck carriers can be moved along the conveying path through magnetic interaction with a linear electric motor configured as multiple linear stators arranged continuously along the conveying path
Data Source
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AI summary
A conveying system (10) with a closed loop conveying path comprises an active branch (11) defining a first conveying path (15), a return branch (22) defining a second conveying path (23), and at least one puck carrier (17). The active branch (11) comprises a plurality of stators (13) of a linear electric motor (12) configured to generate respective stator magnetic fields and arranged along the first conveying path (15). The return branch (22) comprises at least one conveyor (24) comprising an advance path (AP) and a resume path (RP) cyclically run by a radially outer surface (26) of the conveyor (24). The advance path (AP) extends longitudinally in a direction compliant with a conveying direction along the second conveying path (23) and the resume path (RP) extends longitudinally in a direction opposite to the conveying direction along the second conveying path (23). The conveyor (24) comprises a plurality of bodies made of ferromagnetic material (25) placed along the conveyor (24). The puck carrier (17) is configured to run along the active branch (11) and the return branch (22) and comprises a housing seat (19) for an article and a magnet (18). The magnet (18) is configured to interact with magnetic fields produced by the plurality of stators (13) and is configured to magnetically attract the bodies of said plurality of bodies made of ferromagnetic material (25).