Free Hanging End Track Module for Linear Motor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear motor conveying systems face challenges in managing thermal expansion and misalignment of track modules, which can lead to forces acting on carrier modules and complicate the process of setting up and replacing track modules.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of track modules with free hanging ends on their supporting structures allows for flexibility and alignment, accommodating thermal expansion and misalignment while reducing forces on carrier modules. This design also facilitates easier expansion and replacement of track modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If track modules are rigidly connected to eliminate gaps, then alignment precision and smooth operation improve, but thermal expansion causes displacements and forces in perpendicular directions
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structures incorporate a flexible element that acts as a compliant connection between the track component and the bearing surfaces. This flexible element allows the supporting structures to bend and accommodate thermal expansion in the longitudinal direction while maintaining precise alignment perpendicular to the expansion direction, thus resolving the contradiction between rigid alignment and thermal flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the mechanical parameter of the supporting structures from rigid to flexible by introducing the flexible element. This parameter change allows the structures to dynamically adapt to thermal expansion while maintaining the required alignment precision for carrier module operation
2Stability of the object's composition
If supporting structures are rigidly fixed to the track component, then structural stability improves, but replacement and expansion of track modules becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure is segmented into a track component portion and a separate flexible element that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows the flexible element to remain attached to the track component while the other end can be detached for module replacement, combining structural stability with ease of maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible element serves as an intermediary between the track component and the bearing surfaces. It provides a detachment point that allows track modules to be replaced without removing rigidly fixed supporting structures, thus facilitating maintenance while maintaining operational stability
3Temperature
If gaps are introduced between track modules to accommodate thermal expansion, then thermal expansion is allowed, but misalignment and forces on carrier modules occur
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structures transition from a static rigid configuration to a dynamic flexible configuration that can adapt to thermal expansion. The flexible element allows the bearing surfaces to move with thermal expansion while maintaining contact with carrier module wheels, eliminating impact forces and misalignment issues that would occur with fixed gaps
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 flexible free hanging ends effectively reduce forces and misalignment issues, enabling smooth operation and easy maintenance of the linear motor conveying system, while allowing for thermal expansion without introducing displacements in other directions.
Implementation Method 1
To deal with thermal expansion of the track modules due to the heat generation under load, a gap between two neighbouring track modules can be provided
Implementation Method 2
At least one of said at least two supporting structures is, at least one of the two ends, configured with a free hanging end such that, within a section along the conveying path, said free hanging end is not in contact with the track component
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a
Figure 3b~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a track module track module (401, 401') for a linear motor conveying system, said track module having a conveying path for a carrier module to be received in said track module, said track module having two ends and the conveying path extending from a first one to a second one of said two ends, wherein said track module (401, 401') comprises a track component, wherein said track module (401, 401') comprises at least two supporting structures, preferably, rods, each configured to act as one of at least two bearing surfaces for wheels of said carrier module, wherein at least one of said at least two supporting structures is, at at least one of the two ends, configured with a free hanging end (431.1E, 431.1E') such that, within a section along the conveying path, said free hanging end is not in contact with the track component.