Inductive Transport Apparatus for Glass Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to provide a rapid and efficient transport system for glass sheets in large-scale production plants, particularly in clean room conditions for photovoltaic element production, lacking in reliability and scalability for both horizontal and vertical movement.
Innovation Solution
A transport apparatus utilizing a vertically oriented lifting gantry with telescopic jack plates and induction power supply, allowing for cable-free operation and efficient movement of glass sheets over long distances, capable of receiving and setting down sheets on both sides of the transport path, with adjustable height and multiple simultaneous transport capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional cable-powered transport systems are used for glass sheets, then power supply is reliable, but the system complexity and operational constraints increase due to cable management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based power transmission system with an inductive power transmission system using electromagnetic fields. The moving component (transport apparatus) contains a receiver coil that wirelessly receives power from a transmitter coil in the stationary component, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and their associated management complexities while maintaining reliable power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the stationary and moving components. The transmitter coil generates an electromagnetic field that couples with the receiver coil, enabling power transmission without direct physical contact or cable connections, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
2Productivity
If rapid transport of glass sheets is implemented over great distances, then productivity increases, but the need for cable-free operation and flexible power supply becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cable-based power delivery with inductive electromagnetic power transmission, enabling the transport apparatus to move rapidly over long distances without cable constraints. This substitution allows high-speed operation while simplifying the power supply system by eliminating cable routing, connection points, and associated safety mechanisms.
3Productivity
If multiple glass sheets are transported simultaneously in stacks, then productivity increases, but the structural complexity of the transport apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the transport apparatus with universal, modular components that can handle multiple glass sheets in stacks simultaneously. The inductive power transmission system and telescopic jack plates are configured to work with stacked sheets, allowing the same apparatus structure to perform both single-sheet and multi-sheet transport operations, thereby increasing productivity without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
4Ease of operation
If telescopic jack plates are used for loading and unloading glass sheets, then ease of operation improves, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic jack plates are designed to automatically extend and retract based on the position and weight detection of glass sheets, reducing the need for manual intervention. The system self-adjusts to load and unload sheets efficiently, improving ease of operation while the automated control mechanisms keep the overall system complexity manageable through integration with the inductive power and control systems.
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
Enables reliable, rapid, and efficient transport of glass sheets over great distances in clean room conditions, reducing operational complexity and enhancing scalability by eliminating cable constraints and allowing for flexible power supply, thus addressing the limitations of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
a moving component (1) and a stationary component (2) for the transport of glass sheets (12), wherein the moving component (1) comprises an induction power supply unit (16) and the stationary component (2) comprises a receiver (3) for inductive takeoff of the power
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for the rapid transport of glass sheets between different manufacturing stations in a spacious manufacturing plant for producing photovoltaic elements, wherein said manufacturing plant is subject to clean room conditions, comprising the following features: a) a freely movable mounting for conveying a lifting portal, b) at least one vertical lifting carriage for vertically transporting a glass sheet by means of a telescoping jack plate, wherein said plate can be extended in two opposite directions, has a local lowering and raising function and can transport a glass sheet continuously from one side of the vertical lifting carriage to the other side, c) for operation, the mechanically moved parts are encapsulated free of emissions in a clean room and made of abrasion-proof material, d) a cordless energy supply unit for operating the mounting.