Linear Motor Cooling Duct Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air-cooling type heat-dissipating structures for work devices with linear motors are bulky and prone to dust intrusion due to negative pressure inside the device, requiring larger air supply units that lower efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A compact air-cooling type heat-dissipating structure with a duct and blower system that directly intakes low-temperature air and exhausts hot air outside, eliminating the need for ventilation and reducing bulkiness by integrating the duct with the movable element and using smaller blowers for the heat-dissipating section.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a cover and duct covering the entire region in the transfer direction of the movable element are used for air-cooling heat dissipation, then heat-dissipating performance is improved, but the device becomes bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat-dissipating performanceVSAvoiddevice bulkiness
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the heat dissipation system into localized segments rather than covering the entire transfer region. The duct is positioned only at specific locations where heat generation occurs, and the cover includes localized intake and exhaust openings rather than full-region coverage. This segmentation maintains effective heat dissipation while reducing the overall volume occupied by the cooling structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies heat dissipation structures only where needed - specifically at regions where the linear motor generates heat during operation. The duct and cover are designed to target localized heat sources rather than providing uniform cooling across the entire transfer region, optimizing heat dissipation efficiency while minimizing device bulkiness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Temperature

If a blower is used for air-cooling heat dissipation, then heat dissipation is improved, but dust can intrude into the work space due to negative pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat-dissipating performanceVSAvoiddust intrusion
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the negative pressure effect that causes dust intrusion into a beneficial feature by strategically positioning the duct and openings. The negative pressure created by the blower actually helps draw air through the heat dissipation path more efficiently, while the localized positioning of intake and exhaust openings prevents dust-laden air from entering the work space. The harmful negative pressure is thus transformed into a useful driving force for heat dissipation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If an air supply unit with larger capacity is used to prevent dust intrusion, then dust protection is improved, but efficiency is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust protectionVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the heat dissipation system to serve its own heat dissipation needs without requiring an oversized air supply unit. By positioning the duct and cover openings to work with the natural air flow patterns and the blower's capabilities, the system achieves both dust protection and efficient heat dissipation using appropriately-sized components, eliminating the need for excessive air supply capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 configuration enhances heat-dissipating performance while minimizing device bulkiness and preventing dust intrusion, achieving efficient air intake and discharge without ventilating the work space.

Implementation Method 1

a linear motor disposed in the work space having an extended stator and a movable element moving along the stator in a transfer direction; and a work executing section provided on the movable element to execute a predetermined work

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

an air-cooling type heat-dissipating section configured to dissipate heat generated from a linear drive coil to air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

a blower configured to blow the air from the intake port to the exhaust port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3691096B1Work device
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 FUJI CORP
  • EP3691096B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3691096B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3691096B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A work device including: a cover provided on a base configured to form a work space between the cover and the base; a linear motor disposed in the work space having an extended stator and a movable element moving along the stator in a transfer direction; and a work executing section provided on the movable element to execute a predetermined work; wherein the movable element includes: a heat-dissipating section configured to dissipate heat generated from a constituent member to air, the constituent member constituting at least one of the movable element and the work executing section; a duct, covering the heat-dissipating section, having an intake port and an exhaust port; and a blower configured to blow the air from the intake port of to the exhaust port; and the cover includes: an intake opening corresponding to the intake port in a transfer region in which the movable element moves in the transfer direction; and an exhaust opening corresponding to the exhaust port in the transfer region.