Linear Motor Transport Track for Constant-Curvature Circular Paths
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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 using linear motors, where the carrying element moves relative to the transport element in a transverse direction, guided by a control unit to maintain synchronization and adjust for segment transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If segments are redesigned to enable circular guide track, then circular path capability is improved, but manufacturing 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 existing linear motors to be reused without redesign while enabling circular transport capability through the additional second guide track component.
Solution Approach 2:
A carrying element is introduced as an intermediary component that can receive products from the transport element and transfer them to a different guide track. This intermediary enables the system to switch between the first guide track (original path) and the second guide track (circular path) without requiring the linear motors themselves to be redesigned, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If carrying element is made moveable in transverse direction, then adaptability to different guide tracks is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying element is designed with dynamic movability in the transverse direction, allowing it to shift position relative to the transport element. This dynamic capability enables the carrying element to align with different guide tracks (first or second) as needed, providing adaptability to different path configurations while keeping the mechanism relatively simple through controlled degrees of freedom.
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 a cost-effective and efficient circular path without segment redesign, maintaining constant centrifugal force and synchronization of transport units, suitable for replacing rotary tables in assembly lines.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of linear motors which are arranged in a row and have a first guide track
Implementation Method 2
a curved second guide track, wherein the curvature of the second guide track is constant... keeps the centrifugal force acting on the products or items constant
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
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.