Linear-Guide Conveying Device for Stable, Precise Lifting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conveying devices lack stability and precision in moving lifting bodies, particularly in environments requiring high accuracy like cleanrooms.

Innovation Solution

A conveying device with pivotably articulated guide links and guide elements forming a linear guide with a guide axis identical to the lifting axis, using plain bearings for low-wear movement, and a locking mechanism to control actuation strokes for precise handling of objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a parallelogram kinematic mechanism or gear unit is used to drive the lifting body, then the lifting body can be moved, but the movement lacks stability and precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of lifting body movementVSAvoidprecision of lifting body movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A guide element is introduced as an intermediary component between the drive bodies and the lifting body. This guide element provides a defined guide axis that constrains the lifting body's movement, ensuring that the lifting body moves precisely along the desired path while maintaining stability, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable movement and movement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If simple pivot or rotary bearings are used for articulation, then the device structure is simplified, but wear increases in non-cleanroom environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of articulation structureVSAvoidwear resistance in critical environments

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional pivot or rotary bearings with a plain bearing configuration where the guide element articulates to the lifting body. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical joints that are prone to wear, providing a simpler yet more reliable articulation system suitable for cleanroom and other critical environments by reducing moving parts and potential wear points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If the guide axis coincides with the lifting axis, then the lifting body is guided precisely along the lifting axis, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of lifting body guidanceVSAvoidcomplexity of guide element arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the guide axis for precise lifting body guidance, serves as an articulation point between the drive system and lifting body, and defines the lifting axis through its geometric configuration. By making the guide axis coincide with the lifting axis, a single component achieves precise guidance without requiring additional separate guiding mechanisms, thus managing complexity while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables stable, precise, and low-wear movement of lifting bodies, suitable for handling small and large objects in cleanroom environments, with enhanced handling capabilities and reduced wear.

Implementation Method 1

the guide elements form a linear guide with a guide axis which coincides with the lifting axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLinear guide:

Implementation Method 2

the lifting links and guide links are articulated to the respective drive bodies and to the lifting body and the second guide element via simple pivot or rotary bearings, which ideally take the form of plain bearings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlain bearing:

Data Source

PatentUS12420435B2Conveying device

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 SYNTEGON TECHNOLOGY GMBH

AI summary

A conveying device includes a first drive body, a second drive body and a lifting body for receiving a payload. The drive bodies can be activated independently of each other along a conveying axis or on a conveying plane. A first lifting link is pivotably articulated to the first drive body and a second lifting link is pivotably articulated to the second drive body. The lifting links are functionally connected to the lifting body so that a relative movement of the drive bodies can be converted into a movement of the lifting body along a lifting axis A first guide link is pivotably articulated to the first drive body, a second guide link is pivotably articulated to the second drive body, the guide links are connected to a first guide element, the lifting body has a second guide element, and the guide elements form a linear guide with a guide axis that coincides with the lifting axis.