Inductive Link Data Transmission for Independent Cart Movers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion control systems face inefficiencies in power transmission to independent movers on tracks, requiring fixed connections that restrict movement and increase system complexity, and suffer from impractical contact-based data transmission methods that are prone to delays and interference.
Innovation Solution
A contactless power transfer system using an inductive link with a sliding transformer to wirelessly supply power to movers along a track, combined with a modulator and demodulator for data transmission, allowing for efficient and interference-free communication between movers and controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact-based data transmission methods are used between movers and controllers, then data can be transmitted, but delays and interference occur reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based data transmission with inductive coupling for wireless communication. The modulator mounted on the mover and demodulator mounted on the track (or vice versa) enable data transmission through electromagnetic fields without physical contact, eliminating delays and interference associated with contact-based methods while maintaining reliable communication between movers and controllers
2Power
If fixed connections are used to supply power to movers, then power can be transmitted, but system flexibility is reduced and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed mechanical connections for power transmission with inductive coupling. The sliding transformer enables wireless power transfer between the track and movers through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical connectors, reducing system complexity, and maintaining full flexibility of mover movement along the track while providing continuous power supply
3Power
If fixed connections are used for power supply, then power can be transmitted continuously, but system flexibility and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding transformer with inductive coupling provides continuous power transmission without mechanical constraints. By using electromagnetic fields instead of physical connections, the system maintains full operational flexibility allowing movers to move freely along the track while receiving uninterrupted power supply, greatly improving ease of operation
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 continuous power supply to movers without fixed connections, enhancing system flexibility and reducing interference in data transmission, thereby improving the overall efficiency and reliability of motion control systems.
Implementation Method 1
A contactless power transfer system using an inductive link with a sliding transformer to wirelessly supply power to movers along a track
Implementation Method 2
a modulator mounted on either the at least one mover or along the track... Data is provided to the modulator, and the modulator superimposes a modulated signal on a power signal being transferred by the sliding transformer
Implementation Method 3
The demodulator receives the modulated signal from the power signal and demodulates the data from the modulated signal
Data Source
AI summary
An independent cart system includes an inductive link for contactless power transfer between a track and each mover as the mover travels along the track. A system for contactless data transmission between movers and a controller in the independent cart system includes a transmitter and/or receiver mounted on each mover and a complementary receiver and/or transmitter mounted on a track. The transmitter receives data to be transmitted across the inductive link and modulates a voltage present on either the primary or secondary winding to which it is coupled. The modulated voltage present on one winding induces a corresponding modulation on the voltage present on the other winding. A receiver operatively connected to the other side of the inductive link detects the modulated voltage and decodes the data from the modulated voltage received across the inductive link.