Linear Motor Carrier Holding Using Motion-Stored Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport systems face challenges in securely attaching objects to transport elements without requiring complex mechanical fasteners or inflexible vacuum lines, and electrical contacts prone to wear and tear.
Innovation Solution
A linear motor system with a first transport element that includes an actuating element and an energy storage element, where the movement of the transport element itself generates and stores energy to create a holding force, eliminating the need for external energy supply and allowing for simple, reliable, and cost-effective attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical fasteners (clamps) are used to attach objects to transport elements, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport element uses its own movement to actuate the actuating element through the activation element, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex control systems. The kinetic energy from movement is directly converted to secure the object, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a simpler mechanism that uses kinetic energy conversion. Instead of clamps or complex locking mechanisms, the system uses the movement itself to trigger a holding force generation, substituting complex mechanical attachment with a more elegant energy-based solution.
2Reliability
If vacuum lines are used to generate holding force, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport element generates its own holding force using its movement, eliminating the need for external vacuum lines or pneumatic systems. The kinetic energy from movement is converted directly into the energy needed to secure the object, making the system self-sufficient and removing complex vacuum infrastructure.
3Use of energy by moving object
If sliding electrical contacts are used to transfer energy, then energy supply is achieved, but reliability decreases due to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The transport element uses its own kinetic energy from movement to actuate the holding mechanism, eliminating the need for continuous external energy supply through sliding contacts. The system converts movement energy directly into holding force, removing wear-prone electrical contacts entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the sliding electrical contact system from the design, extracting the energy transfer function and replacing it with direct kinetic energy utilization. This eliminates the reliability issue of wear and tear while maintaining the ability to generate holding force.
4Force
If external energy supply is used to generate holding force, then holding force generation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport element uses its own movement to generate the holding force, eliminating the need for external energy supply systems. The kinetic energy from movement is directly converted into the holding force needed to secure the object, simplifying the overall system architecture.
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
The system provides a self-sufficient attachment mechanism that uses inherent movement to generate and maintain holding forces, ensuring secure object attachment without additional external energy, while minimizing system modifications and maintaining flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage element (41) coupled to the first actuating element (39). The energy storage element (41) is configured to store energy when the first actuating element (39) is actuated
Implementation Method 2
The energy storage element (41) is designed as a return element for the first actuating element (39)... the spring (41) relaxes, moving the plunger (39) from the retracted position into the extended position... another portion of the energy released by the spring (41) draws air from the channel (35) into the working chamber (37)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
A transport system (11) for transporting an object, which is configured in particular as a linear motor system or multi-carrier system, comprises a transport element (25). The transport element (25) includes an actuating element (39) and an energy storage element (41) coupled to the first actuating element (39). The energy storage element (41) is configured to store energy when the first actuating element (39) is actuated. Furthermore, the transport element (11) is configured to exert or generate a holding force on the object to be transported by means of the energy of the energy storage element (41).