Linear Motor Carrier Identification Using Dual Magnetic Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear motor systems face challenges in efficiently and reliably identifying individual carriers, especially in switched-off or currentless states, due to limitations in RFID and infrared technologies, and previous methods that are prone to interference and manipulation.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a control device that utilizes a combination of magnetic sensors to determine position and identification information from different directional components of a magnetic field, allowing for unique identification of carriers using existing position detection system components, reducing interference and enabling encoding of identification information independently of position determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID technology is used for carrier identification, then identification capability is provided, but system complexity and cost increase due to additional reading devices
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensors originally designed for position detection are made multi-functional by enabling them to perform both position determination and carrier identification tasks. The control device processes magnetic field signals to extract both positional information and identification information from the same sensor inputs, eliminating the need for separate RFID reading devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The identification function is merged with the position detection system. The control device combines the processing of magnetic field signals to simultaneously determine carrier position and carrier identification, consolidating what would traditionally require separate hardware systems into a unified approach.
2Reliability
If position magnets are arranged differently for identification, then identification is possible, but position measurement accuracy is influenced
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field information is segmented into two distinct functional components: position information and identification information. The control device separates the evaluation of these two types of information from the same magnetic field signals, allowing position magnets to serve identification purposes without compromising position measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from spatial arrangement of magnets (physical dimension) to signal processing dimension. Instead of using different magnet positions or configurations for identification, the control device extracts identification information from the temporal and spectral characteristics of the magnetic field signals in the signal domain, leaving the physical magnet arrangement optimized for position measurement.
3Device complexity
If a limited number of reading devices are provided, then system complexity is reduced, but identification capability is locally limited
Solution Approach 1:
Each carrier essentially identifies itself by its unique magnetic signature that passes continuously through the magnetic sensors along the guide track. The carrier's identification information is embedded in the magnetic field signals it generates during movement, allowing any carrier to be identified by any sensor it passes, providing universal coverage without additional reading devices.
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 allows for simple, reliable, and secure identification of multiple carriers, even in switched-off states, with low mutual interference, using existing magnetic sensors, and enables unique ID assignment for a large number of carriers, enhancing predictive maintenance capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetic sensor for determining a magnetic field with respect to a first spatial direction and for outputting a first sensor signal, and a second magnetic sensor for determining a magnetic field with respect to a second spatial direction
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a linear motor system, in particular a transport system, e.g. a multi-carrier, having a plurality of or for a plurality of carriers, and having a guide track for the carriers, wherein, at the guide track, a first magnetic sensor for determining a magnetic field with respect to a first spatial direction and for outputting a first sensor signal and a second magnetic sensor for determining a magnetic field with respect to a second spatial direction and for outputting a second sensor signal are provided, wherein the control device is configured to determine position information relating to a carrier on the basis of the first sensor signal and to determine identification information relating to a carrier on the basis of the second sensor signal.