Conveying Device Vibration Isolation via Segmented Base

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conveying devices with linear or planar motors face challenges in maintaining precise alignment of active modules due to vibrations and mechanical deformations, especially during processing operations, which requires frequent adjustments and downtime.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates a supporting structure with a bridging supporting body that mounts active modules independently, allowing for precise alignment and reduced impact from processing unit vibrations, while maintaining mechanical separation between the processing unit and the conveying device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the processing unit is mounted on the base of the conveying device, then the processing operation can be performed at the processing station, but vibrations from the processing unit cause misalignment between active modules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing operation capabilityVSAvoidalignment precision of active modules
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The base is divided into two separate bases: a first base that supports the conveying device and active modules, and a second base that supports the processing unit. This segmentation isolates the processing unit's vibrations from the conveying device, preventing misalignment of active modules while maintaining processing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the processing unit shares the same base as the conveying device, then the structure is simpler, but frequent checks and adjustments are required due to vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural complexityVSAvoiddowntime for adjustments
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the conveying device and processing unit onto different bases, the patent eliminates the need for frequent alignment adjustments. The first base remains stable for conveying operations while the second base isolates processing vibrations, significantly reducing maintenance downtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If the processing unit base coincides with the conveying device supporting structure, then installation is simplified, but adjustment of sliding path becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidsliding path adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses separate bases that can be independently adjusted. The first base supporting the conveying device can be adjusted for optimal sliding path alignment without affecting the processing unit, while the second base positions the processing unit independently. This resolves the conflict between installation simplicity and adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4450432B1Apparatus for performing a processing operation on objects
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 G MONDINI SPA
  • EP4450432B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4450432B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4450432B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus for performing a processing operation on objects comprising a conveying device with linear or planar motor which comprises a supporting structure (6), a plurality of active modules (7) mounted on the supporting structure (6), and a plurality of carriages (8) slidably associated with the active modules (7) along a sliding path (5), and a processing unit (3) which comprises a lower base (19) and an upper operating part (20), a processing station (4) being positioned between the lower base (19) and the operating part (20). The supporting structure (6) comprises a first base (15) and a second base (16) which rest directly on the ground, and a supporting body (18) mounted like a bridge between the first base (15) and the second base (16). Mounted on the supporting body (18) there are two or more adjacent first active modules (71) which define the sliding path (5) at the processing station (4).