Energy Chain Position Sensing With Absolute Reference Markers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for position determination in energy chains, such as those used in dynamic guidance of supply lines, face challenges with reliability and accuracy due to slip and relative measurement errors, especially over long travel distances, and lack precise absolute position determination during operation and re-initialization.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a guide arrangement with reference components that interact with sensor devices to provide robust and precise position determination, using radio-based or optical methods for distance measurement, allowing for reliable absolute position tracking along a linear route, even in long travel distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rolling rotary encoder or displacement sensor is used to determine position, then the system can track movement, but slip occurs causing unreliable absolute position determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reference components as intermediary elements that mediate between the sensor device and the measurement task. These reference components provide fixed, known positions along the route that the sensor device can detect, enabling accurate absolute position determination without direct contact between the sensor and the moving object, thus eliminating slip-related errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based measurement systems (rolling rotary encoders, displacement sensors) with a non-contact optical or electromagnetic detection system. The sensor device detects reference components optically or electromagnetically from a distance, substituting mechanical coupling with field-based interaction to eliminate wear and slip.
2Ease of operation
If distributed light barriers or proximity switches are used, then rough position knowledge is provided, but positioning accuracy is limited and deviations add up over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the reference components and sensor device to achieve higher precision. Reference components are designed with specific geometric features, spacing, and optical properties that enable the sensor device to detect them with high accuracy. The system uses precise optical or electromagnetic field parameters to determine position, transforming rough detection into precise measurement.
3Measurement precision
If reference components are integrated into the guide arrangement, then precise absolute position determination is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the guide arrangement multi-functional by integrating reference components into its structure. The guide arrangement not only provides mechanical guidance and support for the energy chain but also serves as the carrier for position reference components. This eliminates the need for separate reference component mounting structures, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the guide arrangement and reference components into a single integrated structure. The reference components are attached to or formed as part of the guide arrangement, combining two previously separate functions (mechanical guidance and position reference) into one unified system, thereby simplifying installation and reducing component count.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If non-contact sensing is used for position determination, then wear is reduced and service life is extended, but installation complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reference components as intermediaries that enable non-contact sensing. The sensor device detects these reference components from a distance using optical or electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact between sensing and measurement elements. This non-contact approach reduces wear on moving parts while the reference components provide a simple, standardized interface that simplifies installation.
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 approach enables more accurate and reliable position determination with reduced installation effort, offering high precision and long service life, particularly suitable for systems with travel distances exceeding 10 meters, such as crane trolleys, by using reference components integrated into the guide arrangement or chain links, which can interact with sensor devices without contact.
Implementation Method 1
using radio-based or optical methods for distance measurement
Implementation Method 2
using radio-based or optical methods for distance measurement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 4A~5B
AI summary
The invention relates to systems (20; 40) for position determination using an energy chain (1) for guiding supply lines, which energy chain has a movable run (1A), which is fixed at an end to a driver (4), and a stationary run (1B), wherein the driver moves back and forth along a track. The system has a sensor device (12; 41) for position determination, which is attached to the driver (4). In one variant, the system (20) comprises guide components (28A, 28B), arranged along the track, for lateral guidance of the energy chain (1), of which components at least one has a reference component (23A, 24) acting as a position reference. In another variant of the system (14), at least each nth chain link (2) of the energy chain (1) has at least one reference component (44) attached thereto. In both variants, the sensor device (22; 41, 42) for position determination interacts with individual reference components (23A, 24; 44), which allows better and more reliable determination of the current position.