Linear Motor Runner Identification Using Dual Magnetic Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear motor systems face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively identifying multiple rotors, especially when the system is switched off or without power, due to limitations in RFID, infrared, and magnetic field-based identification methods, which are prone to malfunctions and require additional components.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a control device that utilizes existing magnetic sensors to determine position and identification information based on different directional components of the magnetic field, with separate magnets for position and identification, minimizing interference and allowing for unique coding and identification of multiple rotors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RFID technology is used for identifying runners, then identification capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase due to additional readers and wireless communication components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the identification function with the existing position detection system by using the same magnetic sensors and magnets for both position measurement and runner identification. The control device distinguishes between position information and identification information by analyzing different characteristics of the magnetic field signals, thereby eliminating the need for separate RFID readers and tags.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic sensors and magnets serve dual purposes: they detect the position of runners along the guideway and simultaneously provide identification information. Each runner's unique magnetic field signature (determined by magnet arrangement, polarity, or strength) allows the system to identify which runner is at a given position, making the position detection system universal for both localization and identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If RFID readers are distributed along the guideway for identification, then identification coverage is improved, but cost increases significantly due to the expense of multiple readers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification coverageVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the identification function with the existing position detection system by using the same magnetic sensors and magnets for both position measurement and runner identification. The control device distinguishes between position information and identification information by analyzing different characteristics of the magnetic field signals, thereby eliminating the need for separate RFID readers and tags.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The runners themselves carry the identification information in the form of magnets or magnetic field characteristics, eliminating the need for external readers. The existing magnetic sensors along the guideway automatically detect both position and identification data as runners pass by, making the system self-sufficient for identification without additional expensive infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If position magnets are arranged differently for identification, then identification capability is improved, but position measurement accuracy deteriorates due to interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification capabilityVSAvoidposition measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the magnetic field information into distinct components: position information is extracted from the timing and pattern of magnetic field detections along the guideway, while identification information is extracted from the unique characteristics of the magnets (arrangement, polarity, strength). The control device processes these segmented information types separately to avoid interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds an identification dimension to the existing position detection system. Instead of using only the temporal dimension (when magnets pass sensors) for position measurement, the system also analyzes spatial dimensions (magnet arrangement patterns) and magnetic field characteristics (polarity, strength) to extract identification information without affecting position accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 approach enables efficient, cost-effective, and tamper-proof identification of multiple rotors, even when the system is switched off, using existing position detection components, reducing interference and enhancing predictive maintenance capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a first magnetic sensor on the guideway for detecting a magnetic field with respect to a first spatial direction and for outputting a first sensor signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a second magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic field with respect to a second spatial direction and for outputting a second sensor signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

a control device (32) of the linear motor system for determining position information relating to a runner on the basis of the magnetic field with respect to the first spatial direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field-based position detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3955436B1Linear motor system and operating method for same
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP3955436B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3955436B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3955436B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a linear motor system, in particular a transport system, e.g. a multicarrier, with or for several runners, and with a guide track for the runners, wherein a first magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic rock with respect to a first spatial direction and for outputting a first sensor signal and a second magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic rock with respect to a second spatial direction and for outputting a second sensor signal are provided on the guide track, wherein the control device is configured to determine position information relating to a runner on the basis of the first sensor signal and to determine identification information relating to a runner on the basis of the second sensor signal.