Long-Stator Linear Motor Steering via Stator Current Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing long-stator linear motor systems face inefficiencies in transfer positions due to the need for additional auxiliary coils and mechanical components, which increase complexity, cost, and wear, especially when generating steering forces, as they require partial deactivation of drive coils, reducing propulsive force and increasing friction.

Innovation Solution

The system generates a steering effect by impressing a stator current into drive coils on one side of the transport unit at a transfer position, creating an electromagnetic lateral or braking force without generating a propulsive force, allowing the full power unit capacity to be used for steering, thereby enhancing safety and reducing wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional auxiliary coils and mechanical components are used for steering at transfer positions, then steering capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive coils are designed to perform multiple functions: both generating propulsive force during transport and generating steering forces at transfer positions. By controlling the current in existing drive coils, the system can switch between propulsion mode and steering mode, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary coils and mechanical steering components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the steering function with the propulsion function by using the same drive coils for both purposes. The steering capability is integrated into the existing drive coil structure, combining what would traditionally be separate systems into a unified electromagnetic drive system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional auxiliary coils are used for steering, then steering effect is improved, but the number of components and wear points increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering effectVSAvoidwear

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the steering function from separate mechanical components and auxiliary coils, and integrates it directly into the electromagnetic drive system. By removing the need for additional mechanical steering parts and auxiliary coils, the system reduces the number of moving parts and potential wear points, improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical components are added for transfer positions, then transfer capability is improved, but friction and wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer capabilityVSAvoidfriction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces mechanical transfer components (such as mechanical couplings, gears, or physical transfer mechanisms) with an electromagnetic field-based transfer system. By using controlled electromagnetic forces in the drive coils, the system can transfer transport units without mechanical contact, eliminating friction and associated wear.

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

This approach allows for more efficient use of electrical power for steering, reducing wear and increasing safety by eliminating the need for additional mechanical components and optimizing the use of available current, ensuring smoother and more controlled transport unit movement.

Implementation Method 1

excitation magnets being arranged on each side of the transport unit, which excitation magnets, in order to move the transport unit in the movement direction, interact with drive coils in the area of the transport unit by generating an electromagnetic field by impressing a stator current into drive coils, which field interacts with excitation magnets on the transport unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

in a transfer area of the transfer position on at least one side of the transport unit, a stator current is impressed into at least one drive coil, which stator current generates a steering effect on the transport unit due to a current component which forms a propulsive force and/or a current component which forms a lateral force of the stator current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS10848047B2Method and long-stator linear motor for transferring a transport unit at a transfer position

Publication Date: 2020.11.24 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

In order to implement a transfer position in a long-stator linear motor, in which position a transport unit is magnetically steered in order to be deflected from a first transport sections to a second transport section, a stator current is impressed into the drive coils interacting with the transport unit on a first side of the transport unit in the transfer area in order to generate the steering effect on this first side, which stator current either generates only an electromagnetic lateral force or causes only a braking force against the movement direction of the transport unit, or only a combination thereof.