Linear Motor Transport Track With Constant-Curvature Circular Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport systems face challenges in creating a circular guide track without redesigning segments, which is costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A transport system with a first guide track and a second guide track of constant curvature, allowing transport units to move along a circular path without altering the design of existing segments, using linear motors and a control unit to manage transitions between straight and curved segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If segments are redesigned to enable circular guide track, then circular path capability is achieved, but cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the circular path guidance function into two separate segments: the first guide track (with varying curvature) remains unchanged and handles linear/curved transport, while a second guide track (with constant curvature) is added specifically for circular path guidance. This segmentation allows the system to achieve circular path capability without redesigning the existing first guide track segments, thus avoiding the associated costs and time.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport unit is designed with multi-functionality by equipping it with both a first carrying element for the original guide track and a second carrying element for the additional circular guide track. This allows the same transport unit to operate on both types of guide tracks, enabling the system to handle both conventional and circular transport paths without requiring separate dedicated equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If carrying element is constrained to transport element, then structural simplicity is maintained, but circular path guidance is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying function is segmented into two independent carrying elements: the first carrying element remains constrained to the transport element for conventional operations, while a second carrying element is introduced that can be guided along the circular second guide track. This segmentation enables circular path guidance while maintaining the original simple constrained structure for non-circular operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The second carrying element acts as an intermediary between the transport element and the circular second guide track. It provides the necessary interface for circular path guidance without requiring the transport element itself to be modified, thus enabling circular guidance while minimizing changes to the existing transport unit structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If variable curvature guide track is used, then existing segments are utilized, but centrifugal force varies
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance function is segmented between two guide tracks with different curvature characteristics: the first guide track uses the existing segments with variable curvature for cost-effective implementation, while the second guide track is specifically designed with constant curvature to provide consistent centrifugal force for operations requiring stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different guide track sections are assigned different curvature qualities based on operational requirements: the first guide track has variable curvature suited for general linear and curved transport, while the second guide track has constant curvature specifically where consistent centrifugal force is needed, optimizing both cost and performance in different locations.
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 cost-effective and efficient movement along a circular path, maintaining constant centrifugal force, while utilizing existing segments with minimal redesign effort.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of linear motors which are arranged in a row and have a first guide track
Implementation Method 2
a circular path keeps the centrifugal force acting on the products or items constant
Data Source
AI summary
A transport system comprises a plurality of linear motors, which are arranged in a row and have a first guide track, a curved second guide track, wherein the curvature of the second guide track is constant, at least one transport unit which has a transport element that is movable in a movement direction along the first guide track by means of the linear motors, and a carrying element configured to be moved along with the transport element in the movement direction as the transport element travels along the first guide track, wherein the carrying element is moveable relative to the transport element in a transverse direction that extends transversely to the movement direction, and wherein the carrying element is guided at the second guide track, and a control unit configured to control the linear motors for moving the transport units along the first guide track.