Linear Motor Carriage with Displaceable Sub-elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor devices with linear motor technology face challenges in easily adapting to products of different sizes due to fixed support surfaces, limiting flexibility and efficiency in product handling.
Innovation Solution
The conveyor device features two partially connected elements that can be linearly displaced relative to each other, allowing for quick adjustment to product size and shape without mechanical aids, utilizing a linear motor drive with permanent magnets and coils, and a control system to manage the displacement of these elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the support surface is fixed, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different product sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage is divided into a first sub-element and a second sub-element that can move relative to each other. The first sub-element includes guide elements that rest against the guide rail, while the second sub-element has no parts resting against the guide rail. This segmentation allows the support surface to be adjusted for different product sizes while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second sub-element is made movable relative to the first sub-element through a connecting element, transforming the fixed support surface into a dynamic, adjustable one. The second sub-element can be displaced in the direction of the running rail to adapt the bearing surface to different product dimensions, with the linear motor providing the force for this movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical means are used to adjust side walls, then the adaptability to different product shapes is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical adjustment system is replaced with a linear motor drive unit that uses electromagnetic fields to move the second sub-element. The linear motor includes coils that generate an alternating magnetic field when electrical energy is applied, and permanent magnets attached to the carriages. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical aids while improving ease of operation through electrical control.
Solution Approach 2:
The second sub-element is designed to move automatically with the first sub-element when there is no operative connection between the coils and permanent magnets, reducing the need for active control in certain operating conditions. The connecting element allows the second sub-element to follow the first sub-element's movements passively when not actively driven.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the second sub-element is directly guided by the guide rail, then the guiding precision is improved, but the adaptability of the bearing surface is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element acts as an intermediary between the first and second sub-elements, allowing the second sub-element to move relative to the first without direct contact with the guide rail. This intermediary connection enables bearing surface adaptation while maintaining guiding precision through the first sub-element's guide elements that rest against the guide rail.
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 easy, energy-efficient, and rapid adaptation of the carriage's bearing surface to accommodate various product sizes and shapes, enhancing flexibility and efficiency in product handling without the need for mechanical adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The linear drive comprises several coils which generate an alternating magnetic field when electrical energy is applied
Implementation Method 2
Permanent magnets are attached to the carriages to ensure the carriages are driven
Implementation Method 3
Permanent magnets are attached to the carriages to ensure the carriages are driven. Each of the two sub-elements has at least one permanent magnet that is operatively connected, at least partially, to the coils of the linear motor drive unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The conveying device for conveying products (32) comprises a plurality of individually movable carriages (4) for receiving the products (32) and a guide rail (2) on which the carriages (4) are guided. A linear motor drive unit (6) serves to drive the carriages (4), each carriage (4) having permanent magnets (10) that are operatively connected, at least partially, to coils (8) of the linear motor drive unit (6). The carriages (4) have a first sub-element (19) and a second sub-element (21) that are connected to each other and linearly displaceable relative to each other. Each of the sub-elements (19, 21) has at least one permanent magnet (10) that is operatively connected, at least partially, to the coils (8) of the linear motor drive unit (6).