Inductive Power Supply for Automated Storage Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems in warehouses, particularly those involving containers, lack fully automated solutions that prevent human access and efficiently manage power supply to electrical loads like cooling units, often requiring plug-in connections and precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
A fully automatic storage system with a detachable power supply unit using inductive coupling and a switchable magnet holder, allowing contactless energy transfer and magnetic attachment, enabling accurate positioning with a margin of error up to five centimeters, suitable for outdoor and explosion-protected areas, and allowing modular assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plug-in connections are used for power supply, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but automation is reduced and positioning precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plug-in connection system with an inductive power transmission system using electromagnetic coupling. The moving object carries a coil that inductively couples with a stationary coil to transfer power without physical contact, eliminating the need for plug connections while maintaining reliable power supply and enabling full automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary medium to transfer power between the stationary and moving components. The inductive coupling creates an electromagnetic field that acts as a mediator, allowing energy transmission without direct mechanical contact or plug connections
2Reliability
If plug-in connections are required, then secure power transfer is ensured, but positioning accuracy requirements increase and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plug insertion system with inductive coupling that tolerates larger positioning deviations. The electromagnetic field coupling remains effective over a range of positions, reducing the need for precise alignment while ensuring secure power transfer
3Ease of operation
If permanent magnetic connection is used, then detachable connection is achieved, but magnetic flux saturation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the magnetic connection function into two separate components: permanent magnets provide the mechanical attachment force, while switchable magnets provide controlled magnetic flux management. This segmentation allows the permanent magnetic connection to enable easy attachment/detachment while the switchable magnets prevent flux saturation of the inductive coupling components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces switchable magnets as an intermediary control mechanism between the permanent magnets and the inductive coupling components. These switchable magnets act as a mediator to redirect or contain magnetic flux, preventing it from saturating the inductive coupling path while allowing the permanent magnets to maintain the detachable connection
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 fully automated storage and retrieval of containers with reduced precision requirements, contactless power supply, and galvanic isolation, facilitating efficient and safe energy transfer to electrical loads without the need for plug-in connections, suitable for various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a secondary winding (1) which can be inductively coupled to the primary conductor (40)
Implementation Method 2
the power supply unit (2) having a switchable magnet holder (22)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a storage system for objects, in particular containers (3), and to a voltage supply unit for an object, wherein the storage system comprises storage places for the objects, in particular for the objects which are to be stored and/or retrieved, wherein a primary conductor (40) is arranged in each case at one or more storage places, the primary conductor (40) being in particular arranged in a stationary manner, wherein a voltage supply unit is detachably connected to the object, said voltage supply unit having a secondary winding which can be inductively coupled with the primary conductor (40), and wherein the object has an electrical load, especially a refrigeration unit, the electrical load being supplied with electricity by the voltage supply unit.