Linear Motor Magnet Assembly Cover Fixing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional linear motor magnet assemblies face issues with foreign matter intrusion due to loose protective covers, difficulty in replacing covers, and exposure of edge portions between magnet plates, leading to potential damage from accumulated debris, especially in long assemblies where single covers are impractical.

Innovation Solution

A magnet assembly with a cover member of weak magnetic material that covers both the surface and side parts of magnet plates, utilizing a fixing mechanism with screws to ensure close contact, particularly positioning the cover member's edge at the center of permanent magnets for maximum magnetic attraction and minimizing gaps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the protective cover is made with strong magnetic material to prevent rising, then the reliability of preventing foreign matter intrusion is improved, but the ease of operation during installation and replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of protective cover risingVSAvoidinstallation and replacement workability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the magnetic parameter of the protective cover by using weak magnetic material instead of strong magnetic material. This allows the cover to be attracted to the magnet plate without being too strongly fixed, enabling easy installation and replacement while still preventing the cover from rising during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If screws are used to firmly fix the protective cover, then the reliability of preventing foreign matter intrusion is improved, but the device complexity increases due to threaded holes and additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixation of protective coverVSAvoidfixing mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the magnetic fixation function from the mechanical screw fixation system. By using the inherent magnetic attraction between the weak magnetic cover and the magnet plate, the complex screw and threaded hole structure is eliminated, simplifying the device while maintaining reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic attraction between the cover and magnet plate provides self-fixation without requiring additional fastening components. The cover naturally adheres to the magnet plate through magnetic force, eliminating the need for screws, clips, or other mechanical fixation elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If adhesive is used to fix the protective cover, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ease of operation for replacement deteriorates due to difficulty in removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimple fixation processVSAvoidprotective cover replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical adhesion system with a magnetic attraction system. Instead of using adhesive that requires chemical bonding and difficult removal, the magnetic system allows for simple mechanical detachment by overcoming the magnetic force, enabling easy replacement while maintaining simple manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Prevents foreign matter intrusion, maintains workability during installation and replacement, and effectively covers joint areas between magnet plates, reducing the risk of damage from debris accumulation.

Implementation Method 1

the protective cover is attracted to the magnet plate only by the magnetic attraction force of the permanent magnets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a cover member of weak magnetic configured to cover one or more of the magnet plates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10411577B2Magnet assembly for linear motor having cover member covering magnet plate

Publication Date: 2019.09.10 FANUC LTD

AI summary

A magnet assembly for a linear motor includes a cover member having weak magnetic properties, which covers one or more magnet plates, and a fixing mechanism for positioning the end parts 14c of the cover member directly above permanent magnets and detachably fixing the cover member to the magnet plate. The cover member has a first surface part covering a surface of the magnet plate which faces an armature and second surface parts continuous from the first surface part and covering side parts of the magnet plate. Furthermore, the fixing mechanism is provided on the second surface parts. Through the use of this magnet assembly for a linear motor, it is possible to minimize a rise of the cover member from the magnet plate without deteriorating workability at the time of installation or replacement of the cover member.