Inductive Roller Drive Eliminates Plug Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor systems face challenges in simplifying the structure and operation, particularly in servicing, due to complex electrical connections and lack of centralized control over roller drives, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
The roller drive system employs inductive coupling with a primary conductor for power supply and central control, eliminating the need for plug connections, allowing for galvanic separation and precise conveyor speed regulation, with a shared housing for the electric motor, electronic circuit, and secondary coil, and uses a ferrite core for efficient energy transfer and adjustable distance for accommodating varying conveyor items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional plug and socket connections are used for electrical supply, then reliable power transmission is achieved, but device complexity and servicing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plug and socket connection system with an inductive coupling system using electromagnetic fields. The primary conductor in the conveyor belt and secondary conductor in the roller drive create an electromagnetic field for contactless power and data transmission, eliminating mechanical wear and connection complexity while maintaining reliable power transmission.
2Ease of operation
If each roller drive has independent electrical connections, then individual control is possible, but installation and centralization become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The primary conductor embedded in the conveyor belt serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power transmission to all roller drives, enables bidirectional data communication for individual control, and acts as a centralized control interface. This multi-functional design allows individual roller drive control while simplifying installation to a single conductor installation.
3Ease of repair
If inductive coupling is used for power supply, then wear is eliminated and centralized control is enabled, but energy transfer efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional data communication channel enabled by the inductive coupling system provides real-time feedback between the control unit and roller drives. This allows the control unit to monitor actual energy transfer efficiency and adjust operating parameters dynamically, optimizing the inductive coupling performance and minimizing energy losses while maintaining wear-free 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
This solution simplifies servicing and operation by enabling centralized control and efficient energy transfer, reducing wear and tear, and allowing precise conveyor speed adjustment without additional data transmission devices, while maintaining high efficiency and adaptability for varying loads.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (50, 50'), which is supplied from an electronic circuit (52, 52'), which is connected to a secondary coil (54, 54'), which is inductively coupled to a primary conductor (13, 14)
Implementation Method 2
the secondary winding (55, 55') is provided around a ferrite core (6, 15), which is implemented in an E-shape in the direction of the primary conductor (13, 14)
Data Source
AI summary
A roller drive and system of roller drives, which includes a roller component driven by an electric motor, the electric motor being supplied from an electronic circuit, which is connected to a secondary coil, which is inductively coupled to a primary conductor installed in the external environment of the roller component, the electric motor, the electronic circuit, and the secondary coil being at least partially surrounded by the roller component so as to form a housing.