Linear Motor Edge Teeth Layout for Smooth Transition Thrust

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-carrier transport systems experience reduced driving force and inhomogeneous magnetic fields due to groove pitch errors at transitions between linear motors, leading to magnetic discontinuities and control difficulties.

Innovation Solution

The linear motor design features inclined peripheral teeth with adjustable groove pitches, allowing for a more compact edge region and optimized magnetic field homogeneity by adjusting the tooth base distance and shape angles, ensuring consistent magnetic field intensity across the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If standard teeth with uniform slot pitch are used, then manufacturing is simple, but slot pitch errors occur at transitions between linear motors causing magnetic discontinuities and reduced drive force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveteeth uniformityVSAvoiddrive force consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the edge teeth from the intermediate teeth. The edge teeth have an inclined design with different slot pitch characteristics specifically at the transition zones between linear motors, while intermediate teeth maintain uniform spacing. This localized modification addresses the slot pitch error problem at transitions without complicating the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the edge teeth by introducing an inclination angle and modifying the slot pitch at transition zones. This parameter modification compensates for cumulative slot pitch errors that occur between adjacent linear motors, thereby maintaining magnetic field continuity and consistent drive force across the entire transport system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If edge teeth are inclined to compensate slot pitch errors, then magnetic field homogeneity improves, but tooth base distance varies requiring more complex manufacturing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslot pitch accuracyVSAvoidtooth configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex inclined configuration is applied only to the edge teeth at transition zones, while the majority of intermediate teeth maintain simple uniform geometry. This localized application of complexity minimizes the overall manufacturing burden while achieving the critical function of compensating slot pitch errors at the most problematic locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If uniform tooth spacing is maintained, then manufacturing is straightforward, but magnetic discontinuities occur at linear motor transitions reducing drive force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetooth spacing consistencyVSAvoiddrive force at transitions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the slot pitch parameter specifically for edge teeth at transition zones between linear motors. By adjusting the tooth base distance and introducing inclination, the magnetic field continuity is improved at these critical transition points, thereby maintaining consistent drive force throughout the entire transport system despite the simplified uniform spacing of intermediate teeth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design enhances the thrust force curve by minimizing groove pitch errors, achieving a more homogeneous magnetic field and improved control at transitions between linear motors, thereby maximizing driving force and system flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

Drive coils are arranged on the teeth and interact with drive magnets of the transport elements to generate a drive force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

at least one of the edge teeth being inclined relative to the remaining teeth... homogenize the magnetic field of a transport system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field homogenization: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4372972A1Linear motor for a transport system
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP4372972A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4372972A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4372972A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A linear motor for a transport system, particularly for a multi-carrier system, comprises a yoke with several teeth arranged in series and several drive coils mounted on the teeth. The drive coils are configured to interact with drive magnets of a transport element to generate a driving force for moving the transport element along a guide track of the transport system. The teeth have edge teeth arranged at both ends of the yoke. At least one of the edge teeth is inclined relative to the other teeth.