Dual Linear Motor Vibratory Feeder for Rotary and Linear Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibratory feeding apparatuses face issues with non-linear force input from solenoid actuators, reliability concerns with piezoelectric elements, and the need for separate systems for linear and rotary agitation, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance complexity.

Innovation Solution

A vibration feeding apparatus utilizing two linear motors with aligned coils that can switch between rotary and linear actuation modes, driven by sinusoidal current inputs to minimize harmonic vibrations and share common inventory for both motions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If solenoid actuators are used in vibrator modules, then the apparatus can generate vibration for component conveyance, but the non-linear force-displacement relationship introduces multiple frequency components and noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration generation capabilityVSAvoidharmonic vibrations and noise

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic solenoid actuator with a linear motor actuator. The linear motor generates a linear force-displacement relationship through electromagnetic forces, eliminating the non-linearity inherent in solenoids. This substitution of the actuator mechanism directly resolves the issue of harmonic vibrations and noise while maintaining the vibration generation capability for component conveyance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If piezoelectric elements are used as actuators, then the vibrator module can operate at high frequencies with linear forces, but delamination may occur after repeated cyclic motion reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidhigh frequency operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the piezoelectric actuator with a linear motor actuator. The linear motor provides robust electromagnetic actuation that does not suffer from delamination issues inherent in bonded piezoelectric ceramic substrates. This substitution maintains high-frequency operation capability while significantly improving reliability for heavy volume production environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate systems are used for linear and rotary agitation, then each motion type can be optimized, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion mode flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a single vibrator module with two linear motors that can operate in multiple modes: linear vibration mode for track conveyance and rotary vibration mode for bowl agitation. The same physical apparatus performs both functions by switching the operational mode of the linear motors, eliminating the need for separate linear and rotary agitation systems while maintaining optimized performance for each motion type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Force

If square waveform is used as driving signal, then the actuator can provide sufficient force, but abrupt changes in force generate noise and multiple frequency components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator forceVSAvoidnoise and harmonic vibrations

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the waveform parameter from square wave to sinusoidal wave for driving the linear motor actuator. The sinusoidal waveform provides smooth, continuous force variation without abrupt changes, eliminating the generation of noise and multiple frequency components while still delivering sufficient force for effective vibration and component conveyance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 efficient, reliable, and versatile vibration feeding with reduced harmonic vibrations and shared components, allowing for seamless switching between linear and rotary motions, enhancing operational stability and simplifying maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

two linear motors with aligned coils that can switch between rotary and linear actuation modes, driven by sinusoidal current inputs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

A vibration feeding apparatus utilizing two linear motors with aligned coils that can switch between rotary and linear actuation modes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS8733539B2Vibratory feeder for conveying components

Publication Date: 2014.05.27 ASMPT SINGAPORE PTE LTD

AI summary

A vibration feeding apparatus comprises a receptacle for holding and conveying components, and first and second linear motors coupled to the receptacle. The first and second linear motors are spaced from each other and have respective coils that are aligned parallel to each other. The first and second linear motors are operative to be driven at a first operation mode whereby to impart rotary vibration to the receptacle, and at a second operation mode whereby to impart linear vibration to the receptacle.