Transport Rake And Counter Rake With Contactless Linear Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport devices for small containers in cleanrooms, such as those used in pharmaceutical production, face limitations in movement flexibility, require complex mechanisms, and necessitate frequent sterilization due to malfunctions, leading to inefficiencies and disruptions.
Innovation Solution
The transport device features transport rakes and counter rakes connected to movable elements for linear movement, allowing independent linear or relative motion, with a drive system outside the cleanroom to simplify maintenance and reduce friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If eccentric discs are used to drive transport rakes and counter rakes, then the rakes can be moved, but the range of motion is limited to arc-shaped movement and cannot maintain position perpendicular to transport direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the eccentric disc mechanism with a linear drive system that uses linear motors or linear guides to move the transport rakes and counter rakes along linear paths. This substitution eliminates the arc-shaped movement constraint and enables precise linear positioning in both transport direction and perpendicular direction, achieving two-dimensional movement freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the transport rakes and counter rakes to be dynamically positioned at various locations along linear tracks. The system can switch between different movement modes (transport direction and perpendicular direction) and maintain flexible positioning throughout the workspace, transforming the rigid eccentric disc system into a dynamic reconfigurable system.
2Productivity
If eccentric discs drive the rakes, then movement is achieved, but a complex mechanism is required to ensure correct relative movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages and eccentric disc mechanisms with independent linear drive systems for each rake. Each linear drive operates autonomously to position its associated rake, eliminating the need for complex synchronized mechanisms while maintaining precise relative positioning through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the drive system into independent modular units, with separate linear drives for each transport rake and counter rake. This segmentation allows each component to be controlled independently, simplifying the overall mechanism while enabling precise coordinated movement through software control rather than mechanical coupling.
3Reliability
If transport rake and counter rake must be moved simultaneously, then fixed machine cycle is maintained, but all objects in the area must be moved simultaneously causing inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces independent control for each linear drive system, allowing transport rakes and counter rakes to operate asynchronously based on real-time needs. The system can dynamically adjust the timing and positioning of individual rakes without disrupting the overall machine cycle, enabling selective movement of objects based on their specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control systems that monitor the position and status of each rake and adjust their operation accordingly. This allows the system to maintain reliable machine cycles while optimizing transport efficiency by moving only the necessary objects at the optimal times, rather than forcing simultaneous movement of all objects.
4Ease of operation
If complex mechanisms are installed in cleanroom, then correct relative movement is ensured, but malfunctions require cleanroom opening and sterilization causing production halt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical mechanisms with linear drive systems that have fewer moving parts and simpler construction. This reduction in mechanical complexity decreases the likelihood of malfunctions in the cleanroom environment, thereby maintaining operational continuity while preserving movement precision through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex drive mechanisms from the cleanroom environment by using linear drives that can be mounted externally or integrated with minimal mechanical components. This extraction reduces the risk of contamination and malfunction within the cleanroom, allowing for continuous operation without requiring sterilization after malfunctions.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a transport device for a transport good (70), comprising: a transport rake (20a) having at least one tine (22a); and a counter rake (20b) having at least one tine (22b), wherein: the counter rake (20b) can be moved relative to the transport rake (20a) in the transport direction in order to clamp a transport good between the at least one tine (22a) of the transport rake (20a) and the at least one tine (22b) of the counter rake (20b); at least either the transport rake (20a) or the counter rake (20b) is connected to a transport element (10), which can be moved linearly in the transport direction; a drive element (50) is provided, to which the transport element (10) is not connected and to which the transport element (10) is coupled and by which the transport element is driven only by means of contactless remote forces.