Electromagnetic Surface Motor for Flexible Warehouse Logistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current warehouse systems, particularly high-bay warehouses, face inefficiencies in parallelization and time consumption due to the need for human-operated forklifts or robots to manage and transport goods, making the process slow and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic surface motor system that uses active converters to generate magnetic fields, allowing for the controlled movement of transport devices such as pallets or trolleys, which can be networked to manage logistical operations, including metal detection and energy/data transmission, enabling flexible, automated, and efficient storage and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If human-operated forklifts or robots are used to manage and transport goods in high-bay warehouses, then the goods can be moved and positioned, but the process becomes time-consuming and difficult to parallelize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical forklifts and robotic systems with an electromagnetic surface motor system. The surface motor uses electromagnetic fields generated by converters to directly propel transport devices without mechanical contact, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical lifting and transport mechanisms. This substitution enables parallelized movement of multiple goods simultaneously, dramatically improving productivity and reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface motor is divided into multiple independent converters that can be individually controlled. Each converter can independently generate electromagnetic fields to move specific transport devices, enabling parallelized operations. This segmentation allows multiple goods to be moved simultaneously across different locations in the warehouse, resolving the time consumption issue while maintaining high productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical systems are used for goods movement, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the system lacks flexibility and automation
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic surface motor system serves multiple functions: it can accelerate, decelerate, position, and hold transport devices without mechanical contact. The same converter system that propels goods can also detect their position and control their movement precisely. This multi-functionality provides high adaptability while the modular converter design keeps the system manageable in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates detection coils and control mechanisms within the converters themselves, allowing the surface motor to automatically detect and respond to the presence and position of transport devices. This self-service capability enables automated operation without complex external control systems, maintaining ease of implementation while achieving high flexibility.
3Measurement precision
If converters are used to generate magnetic fields for moving transport devices, then precise control over positioning and movement is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive function and detection function into a single converter unit. The same electromagnetic coils that generate the magnetic field for moving transport devices also serve as detection coils to sense the position and presence of goods. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensors and control mechanisms, achieving precise positioning while keeping the device complexity manageable through functional integration.
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 system enables flexible, automated, and efficient movement of goods, reducing labor costs and increasing efficiency by allowing precise control over the positioning and movement of transport devices, integrating seamlessly with existing logistics networks and processes.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic fields, which can be individually designed in terms of size, characteristics and temporal frequency, exert forces on the anchor elements of transport devices
Implementation Method 2
The converters also have lines and interfaces for supplying energy and information for internal and external use
Implementation Method 3
At least one device for metal detection is integrated into the surface motor, which is designed as an inductive proximity switch
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a storage or conveying system comprising an electromagnetic planar motor which moves one or more conveying devices, especially movable pallets, cars, or containers mounted on wheels or rolls. The planar motor is equipped with a plurality of electromagnets which can generate suitable magnetic fields for moving the conveying device. The conveying device is designed in a passive manner with respect to the driving action of the planar motor. The transformers can be separated from one another and can be arranged to form desired geometries of the planar motor. At least one metal detecting apparatus is integrated into the planar motor. The invention allows for an extremely flexible storage system.