Inductive Energy Transmission for Linear Carriage via Belt Conductor

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear axle systems with motor-driven toothed belts require drag chains for cable management, leading to increased mass, friction, and limited service life due to wear.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a belt with electric conductors and inductive coupling, allowing energy transmission to a movable circuit without drag cables, using a toothed belt with tension cords as conductors and a magnetically conductive toroidal core for efficient energy transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If drag chains and cables are used to power the movable circuit, then electrical energy can be transmitted to the carriage, but the linear axle is burdened with additional mass and friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transmission to movable circuitVSAvoidmass of linear axle

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable drag chain system with an inductive coupling system using magnetic fields. A stationary coil generates a time-varying magnetic field that induces current in a conductor within the movable circuit, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and their associated mass and friction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary to transfer energy between the stationary power source and the movable circuit. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that couples the stationary coil and the movable conductor without requiring direct physical contact or cable connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If drag chains and cables are used to power the movable circuit, then electrical energy can be transmitted to the carriage, but the cables are subjected to high wear and have only a limited service life

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transmission to movable circuitVSAvoidservice life of cables

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable drag chain system with an inductive coupling system using magnetic fields. A stationary coil generates a time-varying magnetic field that induces current in a conductor within the movable circuit, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and their associated mass and friction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary to transfer energy between the stationary power source and the movable circuit. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that couples the stationary coil and the movable conductor without requiring direct physical contact or cable connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If a belt with electric conductors and inductive coupling is used, then drag cables are eliminated and friction is reduced, but the device requires additional inductive coupling components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction from drag chainsVSAvoidinductive coupling components

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the belt structure with electric conductors, integrating the conductor directly into the belt rather than using separate cable assemblies. This combination reduces the number of discrete components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the inductive coupling functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 eliminates the need for drag cables, reduces friction, and extends service life by using the belt's teeth for tensioning and positive interlocking, while enabling efficient energy transmission and monitoring of power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a means for inductively coupling is provided to inductively couple electrical energy from the locationally fixed circuit into the conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the means of inductive coupling comprises a magnetically conductive toroidal core with at least one winding and that the belt passes through the toroidal core

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field concentration: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS8151974B2Device for the linear movement of a carriage

Publication Date: 2012.04.10 KOMAX HOLDING

AI summary

A linear axle for contactless energy transmission has a belt with an electrical conductor, a movable carriage and a circuit that is movable with the carriage and which is electrically connected with the conductor. In addition, a locationally fixed circuit and an inductive coupling device are provided to inductively couple electrical energy from the locationally fixed circuit into the conductor of the belt.