Electromagnetic Transport Device for Separating Elements

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

During transportation, receptacles in containers often collide, leading to breakage and excessive noise, and existing solutions for separating them are not efficient for mass production.

Innovation Solution

A transport device with a linear electromagnetic direct drive and motion elements that circulate on a closed path, equipped with grippers, removes and inserts a separating element into a container to separate adjacent receptacles, allowing for independent control of motion elements and grippers for precise placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separating elements are placed in containers before mass production, then receptacles can be separated to prevent breakage and noise, but the efficiency and speed of the packaging process are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against breakage and noiseVSAvoidpackaging process efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The separating elements are prepared in advance in a magazine, but the actual insertion is performed automatically during the packaging process. The transport device pre-positions separating elements in the magazine, ready for rapid automated pickup and insertion, combining preliminary preparation with high-speed execution to maintain both protection and efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical conveyor systems with an electromagnetic direct drive system. This eliminates mechanical linkages, gears, and belts, enabling faster acceleration, deceleration, and positioning of motion elements. The electromagnetic drive allows for precise control and rapid response, significantly increasing the speed at which separating elements can be transported and inserted without compromising accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If traditional mechanical transport systems are used to move separating elements, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the speed and precision of insertion are insufficient for mass production

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion speed and precisionVSAvoidtransport system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The motion elements serve multiple functions: they transport separating elements, position them precisely, and insert them into containers. The same electromagnetic direct drive system controls all motion elements along the closed path, providing universal control for pickup, transport, positioning, and insertion operations, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite increased functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If multiple motion elements are used along the closed path, then separating elements can be processed continuously, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous processing capabilityVSAvoidnumber of motion elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a closed path system where motion elements continuously circulate, picking up separating elements from the magazine, transporting them to containers, and returning to pick up the next element. This continuous circulation eliminates idle time and maintains constant productivity. The electromagnetic direct drive enables rapid acceleration and deceleration, allowing motion elements to complete cycles quickly and maintain high throughput with fewer elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnetic direct drive system enables each motion element to be individually and precisely controlled, allowing for optimized circulation patterns and timing. This precise control allows the system to achieve continuous processing with fewer motion elements compared to traditional mechanical systems that would require redundant elements for synchronization and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution effectively reduces the risk of breakage and noise by precisely inserting separating elements between receptacles, optimizing the transport process and reducing friction and misalignment, while allowing for efficient operation with fewer motion elements.

Implementation Method 1

The linear transporter (2.1) has an electromagnetic direct drive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic direct drive: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Data Source

PatentUS10472113B2Device for transporting separating elements and inserting separating elements into packaging units

Publication Date: 2019.11.12 KHS GMBH

AI summary

A transport device transports a separating element and inserts it into a container having receptacles. The separating element thus separates adjacent receptacles from each other. The apparatus includes a transport device that removes a separating element from a magazine and brings it to an insertion station for insertion into the container. The transport device includes a linear transporter having an electromagnetic direct drive and motion elements that circulate in a common direction around the linear transporter's closed motion path. Each motion element has a gripper arranged thereon.