Linear Conveyor Relay Unit for Module Electrical Connectivity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear conveyors with a module structure require a significant number of wires for communication and power supply, leading to increased space usage and complex assembly processes due to the need for extensive wiring during assembly.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a relay unit across adjacent modules in a linear conveyor, which allows for direct electrical connections between module controllers and power supply devices, reducing the need for individual wires and simplifying the assembly process by enabling electrical connectivity without wire harnesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wire connectors are provided to each module and controllers are connected via electric wires for communication and power supply, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the space used by the linear conveyor increases and wiring work becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple wire connectors (communication and power supply) into a single integrated connector at each module. This merging reduces the number of separate wire connections needed, decreases the space required for wire routing, and simplifies the overall wiring structure while maintaining reliable electrical connections between controllers and modules.
2Reliability
If wire connectors are provided to each module and controllers are connected via electric wires, then electrical connectivity is ensured, but wiring work requires comparatively great care and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple connection functions into a single connector assembly, the patent reduces the number of separate wiring operations required during assembly. This merging approach ensures electrical connectivity while significantly reducing the complexity and care required for wiring work, as fewer separate connections need to be made and verified.
3Ease of operation
If individual wire connections are made to each module for communication and power supply, then precise electrical control is achieved, but the number of wires increases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates communication and power supply connection terminals directly into the mechanical connection structure, allowing electrical connections to be established automatically during the mechanical assembly process. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for separate wiring steps, reducing assembly time while maintaining precise electrical control through the integrated terminal design.
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 configuration reduces the number of communication and power supply wires, enhances space efficiency, and simplifies the assembly and maintenance of the linear conveyor by allowing modules to be connected electrically during mechanical installation, improving assemblability and maintainability.
Implementation Method 1
a linear conveyor in which a linear motor is used as a drive source
Implementation Method 2
a first circuit unit that electrically connects the first and second unit-side connection sections to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A linear conveyor includes a plurality of modules constituting a conveyance path and a slider that travels along the conveyance path. The linear conveyor includes at least one relay unit disposed across adjacent modules. The modules are configured such that each of the modules has first and second module-side connection sections provided at both ends in a direction along the conveyance path, the modules being connected in a row along the conveyance path. The relay unit includes a first unit-side connection section that is connected to the second module-side connection section of one of a set of the adjacent modules, a second unit-side connection section that is connected to the first module-side connection section of the other of the set of the adjacent modules, and a first circuit that electrically connects the first and second unit-side connection sections to each other.