Linear Conveyor Positioning With RF Tag Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
In linear conveyor systems, managing position correction data for multiple conveyor carriages is cumbersome, especially when the conveyor path configuration or length needs to be changed, leading to difficulties in securing precise positioning of the carriages.
Innovation Solution
The system allows individual control of the linear motor stator for each zone, with unique position correction data stored on RF tags attached to the conveyor carriages, enabling precise positioning without requiring operators to manage data for each motor control device, and using a reader/writer to transmit this data to the motor controllers for electric current control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If position correction data is stored in each motor control device, then positioning precision of conveyor carriages can be secured, but operator workload and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reader/writer device as an intermediary between the conveyor carriages and motor control devices. This intermediary automatically reads unique identification information from tags on conveyor carriages and transmits the corresponding position correction data to the appropriate motor control devices, eliminating the need for manual data management while maintaining positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic self-service data transmission where the reader/writer automatically identifies which conveyor carriage is being positioned and retrieves the corresponding position correction data without operator intervention. The motor control devices receive their required data automatically based on the unique identification of each carriage
2Adaptability or versatility
If the conveyor path configuration is changed or conveyor carriages are added, then system adaptability improves, but maintaining positioning precision becomes difficult due to data management issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic data management system where position correction data is not statically assigned to motor control devices but is dynamically retrieved based on the unique identification of each conveyor carriage. When carriages are added or reconfigured, the system automatically adapts by reading the new carriage's identification and providing the corresponding data, maintaining positioning precision without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary preparation by storing position correction data associated with unique identification information of each conveyor carriage before actual use. When a carriage needs positioning, the corresponding correction data is already available in the database, enabling immediate and accurate positioning even in reconfigured systems
3Measurement precision
If multiple motor control devices are used for zone-based control, then control precision improves, but the burden of managing position correction data for each device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data management function into a centralized reader/writer system that handles all position correction data for multiple motor control devices. Instead of each device requiring separate manual data input, the unified system automatically retrieves and distributes the appropriate data to each control device based on the conveyor carriage's unique identification, maintaining control precision while dramatically 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
This approach enables high-precision positioning of conveyor carriages without the need for operators to manually store position correction data, simplifying operations and allowing for flexible changes in conveyor path configurations and lengths.
Implementation Method 1
a linear motor stator (7) including a plurality of electromagnets (26) arranged along a predetermined conveyor path and individually controllable in terms of electric current supply with respect to each of a plurality of predetermined zones
Implementation Method 2
reading means configured to read the unique information stored in the unique information storing means
Data Source
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AI summary
A linear conveyor is provided with a linear motor stator (7) including electromagnets (26) and operable to individually undergo electric current supply control with respect to each zone; a conveyor carriage (4) provided with a linear motor rotor (8) and unique information storing means (55); motor control devices (C) configured to perform electric current supply control for the electromagnets with respect to each zone; and reading means (60) configured to read position correction data of the conveyor carriage stored in the unique information storing means. Each of the motor control devices is configured to correct a target stop position of the conveyor carriage, with use of the position correction data read by the reading means for performing electric current supply control based on the corrected target stop position.