Direct Drive Motor Handling Device for Injection Molding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handling devices in injection molding systems face limitations in covering a large area due to fixed linear guide arrangements, leading to restricted positioning speeds and increased vibrations when attempting to increase the handling area through rotation.

Innovation Solution

A handling device with a direct motor and axial/radial bearings, where the motor and second linear guide share the same axis of rotation, combined with a radially outer rotor design and axial/radial bearings for enhanced load support and reduced wear, allowing for high positioning speeds and reduced vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the second linear guide is rotatably mounted on the first linear guide to expand the handling area, then the handling area is significantly increased, but vibrations caused by rotation occur due to the mismatched axes of rotation between gears

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling areaVSAvoidvibrations
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the axis of rotation of the second linear guide with the axis of rotation of the drive motor by directly coupling them. This alignment ensures that both rotational axes coincide, eliminating the vibration problem caused by mismatched axes while maintaining the expanded handling area benefit of the rotatable configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Area of stationary object

If gears are used to mount the second linear guide rotatably, then the handling area is expanded, but the positioning speed is reduced due to strong reduction in the gear system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling areaVSAvoidpositioning speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the gear transmission mechanism from the system. By directly coupling the second linear guide to the drive motor without intermediate gears, the system eliminates the strong reduction that would otherwise limit positioning speed, while still achieving the expanded handling area through rotational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional gear-based mechanical transmission system with a direct-drive configuration. This substitution eliminates the speed reduction inherent in gear systems while maintaining the rotational functionality needed to expand the handling area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Speed

If the second linear guide is directly coupled to the motor for high positioning speed, then positioning speed is maximized, but the weight of the second linear guide and loads cannot be supported effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning speedVSAvoidload support capability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a bearing as an intermediary component between the directly coupled motor and the second linear guide. This bearing serves as a mediator that can support the weight and loads of the second linear guide while allowing the direct-drive configuration to maintain high positioning speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Speed

If a direct motor is used without gears, then positioning speed is maximized and vibrations are reduced, but the structure becomes more complex with requirements for precise axial alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning speedVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal bearing that simultaneously performs multiple functions: supporting radial loads, supporting axial loads, and enabling precise rotational alignment. This multi-functional component simplifies the overall structure by consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate alignment and support mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enables increased actuating speeds and expanded handling areas without sacrificing the advantages of linear guides, achieving high positioning speeds and reduced wear while minimizing vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

a pivoting device (6) with a direct motor (7), via which the second linear guide (3) is rotatably mounted on the first linear guide (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the axial/radial bearing (8) preferably has a radial roller bearing track and at least one axial roller bearing track, the rollers being cylindrical rollers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling friction: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP3308909B1Handling device
Publication Date: 2021.12.22 KLAUS DIETER KLEMENT VERW
  • EP3308909B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3308909B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3308909B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a handling device, particularly for injection molding machines, comprising a first linear guide (1), a second linear guide (3) mounted on a first carriage (2) movable along the first linear guide (1), and a handling module (5) mounted on a second carriage (4) movable along the second linear guide (3), wherein a pivoting device (6) with a motor is arranged between the first carriage (2) and the second linear guide (3), by means of which the second linear guide (3) is rotatably mounted on the first linear guide (1). The handling device is characterized in that the motor is a direct drive motor (7) with a rotor (13) and a stator (14), wherein the direct drive motor (7) is arranged coaxially with an axial-radial bearing (8) by which the second linear guide (3) is supported on the first carriage (2).