Linear Drive Magnetic Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear drives require cables, hoses, or sliding contacts for energy transmission, which are prone to wear and are not flexible in continuously circulating systems, limiting energy transfer efficiency and control precision.
Innovation Solution
A linear direct drive system with a continuous track and stationary primary magnets, where unused primary magnets can be used to control a magnetically activatable element for energy transfer to the movement unit, eliminating the need for external energy lines and enabling independent control of actuators and consumers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables, hoses or sliding contacts are used for energy transmission to the movement unit, then energy can be transmitted to the movement unit, but wear occurs and the system is not suitable for continuously circulating raceways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical energy transmission systems (cables, hoses, sliding contacts) with a magnetic field-based energy transmission system. Primary magnets on the track create magnetic fields that interact with magnetically activatable elements on the movement unit, enabling wireless energy and control signal transmission without physical contact, thereby eliminating wear and making the system suitable for continuously circulating raceways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium for energy and control signal transmission. The primary magnets generate magnetic fields that act as the intermediary between the stationary track and the moving movement unit, allowing energy transfer without direct mechanical connection. This magnetic intermediary enables wear-free operation while maintaining efficient energy transmission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external cams or stops are used for mechanical energy or control signal transmission, then mechanical energy can be transmitted to the movement unit, but the transmission location is firmly defined and not flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the energy transmission location dynamic rather than fixed. By controlling different primary magnets along the track, the system can dynamically select which location transmits energy to the movement unit. The magnetically activatable elements on the movement unit can be controlled by any primary magnet along the track, allowing flexible positioning of energy transmission points while maintaining precise control through selective activation of specific primary magnets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal energy transmission system where primary magnets serve multiple functions: driving the movement unit along the track and transmitting energy/control signals to magnetically activatable elements. The same infrastructure (primary magnets) performs both propulsion and energy transmission functions, and can serve any position along the track, providing adaptability without sacrificing control precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If primary magnets are used exclusively for driving the movement unit, then drive performance is optimized, but additional energy transfer functions are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the primary magnets multi-functional by using them for both driving the movement unit and transferring additional energy to magnetically activatable elements. The same primary magnets that generate the magnetic fields for propulsion also serve as energy transmission sources for auxiliary functions, eliminating the need for separate energy transmission infrastructure while maintaining drive performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its existing infrastructure (primary magnets) to provide additional energy transfer functions without requiring external energy lines or separate transmission systems. The primary magnets serve themselves by dual-purpose operation, providing both propulsion and auxiliary energy transfer, making the system self-sufficient and adaptable.
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 provides a wear-free, flexible energy transfer method that maintains drive performance, allowing for energy transmission at any point in the system without impairing movement unit operation, especially in closed-ring circulating systems.
Implementation Method 1
The primary magnets are designed as electromagnets, for example as coils. By activating the primary magnets individually or in groups, a magnetic force acts on the magnetic elements, so that the movement unit can be moved along the track.
Implementation Method 2
A magnetically activatable element is provided on the movement unit. This magnetically activatable element is controlled by at least one primary magnet, in particular for energy transfer to the magnetically activatable element.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a linear drive (1), comprising a running track (2), at least one movement unit (4) with at least one magnetic element (5), which is linearly movable on the running track (2), a plurality of electrical primary magnets (3) which are stationarily arranged on the running track (2) and act magnetically upon the at least one magnetic element (5), wherein the primary magnets (3) can be activated individually or in groups for driving the movement unit (4), a magnetically activatable element (7) on the movement unit (4), wherein the magnetically activatable element (7) can be activated by at least one primary magnet (3) independently of the drive of the movement unit (4), and an actuator (9) and/or a load on the movement unit (4), the magnetically activatable element (7) being in operative connection with the actuator (4) and/or the load.