Dual-Sided Track Module for High-Speed Linear Motor Conveying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Linear motor conveying systems face limitations in high-speed transportation due to cogging and limited load capacity, especially in curves, caused by one-sided guidance and magnetic attraction, leading to rapid wheel wear and restricted load positioning.

Innovation Solution

A track module with dual bearing surfaces and electro-magnetic motor components on both sides, allowing levitation and balanced guidance, combined with a carrier module featuring matching electro-magnetic motor components, to provide stable and high-speed transportation without the limitations of one-sided guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If one-sided guidance with magnetic attraction is used, then the system can provide guidance and propulsion, but wheel wear increases rapidly and load capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel lifeVSAvoidwheel wear
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from asymmetric one-sided guidance to symmetric dual-sided guidance. By placing bearing surfaces and electromagnetic motor components on both sides of the carrier module, the system achieves balanced load distribution and eliminates the concentrated wear caused by one-sided magnetic attraction and guidance forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-sided configuration creates counterbalancing forces that offset each other. The electromagnetic attraction and guidance forces on one side are balanced by corresponding forces on the opposite side, preventing excessive localized stress on the wheels and reducing wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Speed

If one-sided magnetic attraction is used for guidance, then the system structure is simpler, but centrifugal force effects limit high-speed curve performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh-speed curve performanceVSAvoidcentrifugal force effects
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs symmetric dual-sided electromagnetic motor components that provide balanced propulsive forces. During curved motion, this symmetry allows the system to counteract centrifugal forces more effectively, as the opposing sides can generate differential forces to maintain stable trajectory at high speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds the dimensional aspect of bilateral force application. Instead of unidirectional electromagnetic forces, the dual-sided configuration enables force application from opposite directions, creating a more controllable force vector system that can manage centrifugal effects during curved motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Quantity of substance

If one-sided guidance is used, then the track module structure is simpler, but load capacity and load positioning are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload capacityVSAvoidtrack module structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements symmetric dual-sided bearing surfaces and electromagnetic motor components on the track module. This symmetry enables the carrier module to support greater loads through distributed contact points and balanced force application, while the modular design keeps structural complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-sided configuration serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides guidance, propulsion, and load support through the same structural elements. The bearing surfaces and electromagnetic components on both sides work together to enhance load capacity while maintaining versatile operational capabilities.

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 reduced cogging, extended wheel life, increased load capacity, and improved high-speed curve performance by distributing the load evenly and reducing centrifugal force effects, allowing for more efficient and stable linear motor conveying systems.

Implementation Method 1

The track module allows receiving a state of levitation of the carrier module between the two side parts of the track module, which reduces cogging

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

the track module further comprises two electro-magnetic motor components, each preferably comprising one or more electric coils

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic motor components: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Implementation Method 3

the at least one first bearing surface matches with at least a first wheel of the carrier module, and that the at least one second bearing surface matches with at least a second wheel of the carrier module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling friction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4421007A1Track module and carrier module for a linear motor conveying system and linear motor conveying system
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP4421007A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4421007A1 patent drawingFigure 3a
  • EP4421007A1 patent drawingFigure 3b~3c

AI summary

The invention relates to a track module (301) for a linear motor conveying system (100), wherein said track module comprises a track component (310), and at least two bearing surfaces (331.1, 331.2, 331.3, 332.1, 332.2, 332.3), wherein said track component comprises, along at least part of a conveying path, a first side part (311), a second side part (312) and a bottom part (113, 313, 413), wherein the first side part and the second side part are arranged opposite to each other, wherein at least a first one (331.1, 331.2, 331.3) of the at least two bearing surfaces is arranged at or formed integrally with the first side part (311), and at least a second one (332.1, 332.2, 332.3) of the at least two bearing surfaces is arranged at or formed integrally with the second side part (312), such that the at least one first bearing surface and the at least one second bearing surface face each other.