Inductive Coupling for Contactless Linear Drive Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional drive units in industrial systems require expensive plug-and-socket connectors and T-pieces for energy branching, which are difficult to install and maintain, especially in wet or aseptic areas, leading to high costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

The system employs inductive coupling to power drive units on movable parts using primary conductors, eliminating the need for plug-and-socket connectors and T-pieces, allowing for contact-free, cost-effective, and erosion-free power transmission, suitable for use in wet and aseptic areas, with reactive-power compensation and smaller wire diameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If plug-and-socket connectors and T-pieces are used for powering drive units, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical plug-and-socket connectors with inductive coupling between primary and secondary windings. This eliminates the need for physical electrical connections while maintaining power transmission, thereby reducing installation complexity and eliminating connectors entirely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium to transfer energy between the primary conductor and the drive unit. The magnetic coupling acts as a mediator that transmits power without direct electrical contact, simplifying the wiring system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If T-pieces are installed for energy branching to each drive unit, then power distribution is achieved, but installation difficulty and cost increase in wet or aseptic areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution capabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical T-pieces and electrical branching with inductive coupling. Energy is distributed to multiple drive units through magnetic field coupling from a single primary conductor, eliminating the need for physical branching components and simplifying installation in difficult environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If plug-and-socket connectors are used for disconnecting power, then power interruption is achieved, but erosion and maintenance issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower disconnection capabilityVSAvoidconnector durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical disconnecting switches and plug-and-socket connectors with inductive coupling. Power interruption is achieved by simply removing or de-energizing the primary conductor, eliminating erodible mechanical contacts and improving 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 simplifies and reduces the cost of wiring, enables easy installation, and provides a high degree of protection, making the system more reliable and cost-effective for use in challenging environments without the need for expensive connectors or switches.

Implementation Method 1

drive units, which are powered on a movable part, e.g., a turntable or linear drive, in a contact-free manner, using, in each instance, an inductive coupling to one or more primary conductors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8102229B2System for a linear drive

Publication Date: 2012.01.24 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A system, whereby drive units on a movable part, e.g., a turntable or linear drive, are powered in a contactless manner via, in each instance, an inductive coupling to one or more primary conductors.