Linear Motor Stator Extraction for Open Conveyor Movers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multiple-mover conveyor systems in open linear structures face challenges with complex and costly connections due to individual motor control, limited space applicability, and the need for cable-carrier chains, while closed structures lack flexibility and maintenance efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A multiple-mover conveyor system with an open linear structure featuring a fixed linear guiding group, movable conveyor movers supported by recirculating-ball skids or rollers, and a stator motor with integrated magnetic elements, allowing for external power and signal transmission, and a stoppage brake for stabilizing external forces, enabling flexible positioning and reprogramming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If individual motors are used for each mover with cable-carrier chains for power and signal transmission, then each mover can be independently controlled, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent mover controlVSAvoidcable-carrier chains and motor connections
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the motor from the moving mover and relocates it to the fixed support structure. The stator is mounted on the support structure while the rotor remains on the mover, eliminating the need for cable-carrier chains and complex electrical connections to moving parts. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining independent mover control through the fixed motor while removing the complexity of power and signal transmission to moving components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If conventional linear motors are mounted on each mover, then individual mover actuation is achieved, but the dimensions of the power part limit applicability in limited spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual mover actuationVSAvoidmover dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The motor's stator component is extracted from the mover and mounted on the fixed support structure. This removes the bulky power generation components from the moving part, significantly reducing mover dimensions and enabling application in limited spaces while preserving individual mover actuation capability through the rotor-stator magnetic interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If multiple independent motors are used for each mover, then precise position control is achieved, but the cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition controlVSAvoidmultiple motors and connections
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stator is extracted from the mover and fixed to the support structure, eliminating the need for multiple motors and complex inter-mover connections. Each mover is actuated by its own rotor interacting with the fixed stator, achieving precise position control through magnetic field interaction while significantly reducing device complexity and cost compared to multiple independent motors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Stability of the object's composition

If closed structure conveyor systems are used with direct control, then mover guidance is improved, but flexibility and maintenance efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemover guidanceVSAvoidsystem flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses segmented recirculating-ball skids and rollers as supporting and guiding elements that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the open linear structure to provide stable mover guidance while maintaining flexibility for reconfiguration and ease of maintenance, as each guiding element can be accessed and adjusted independently without disassembling a closed structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The system provides a simple, economical, and functional solution with optimal force support, low maintenance, and reliable operation, allowing for variable mover configurations and stable positioning in various orientations, while reducing the need for complex connections and external power supplies.

Implementation Method 1

a first fixed stator unit, electrically powered from the outside, and at least one magnetic element integral with the movable conveyor mover

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

movable conveyor movers between which supporting and guiding elements are arranged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBall bearing: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentEP4012905A1Multiple-trolley conveyor system in an open linear structure
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 MONDIAL SPA
  • EP4012905A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4012905A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4012905A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A multiple-mover(trolley)conveyor system in an open linear structure comprising - a fixed linear guiding group or base section (11) which forms a supporting structure and at least one movable conveyor mover (16) between which supporting and guiding elements (15,22) are positioned, - a linear motor drive unit which provides a first fixed stator unit (20) housed in said fixed linear guiding unit and at least one magnetic element (23) integral with said at least one movable mover (16), - wherein said stator unit (20) is electrically powered from the outside through power (25) and signal (26) cables, wherein said first stator unit (20) has a fixing axis to the supporting structure perpendicular to a motor axis and perpendicular to a movement axis of said at least one mover (16); - wherein said fixed linear guiding group houses at least one further fixed stator unit (220) aligned and subsequent to said first stator unit (20), - wherein a power and signal transmission card (29) is positioned between said first stator unit (20) and said further stator unit (220), - wherein said first stator unit (20) and said further stator unit (220) are arranged in a position interposed between a double group of supporting and guiding elements (15,22) arranged on the sides of the at least one mover (16) and of the fixed linear guiding group (11), characterized in that - said first stator unit (20) and said further stator unit (220) are arranged in a position interposed between a double group of supporting and guiding elements (15,22) arranged on the opposite ends of the at least one mover (16) and of the fixed linear guiding group (11), wherein each group of supporting and guiding elements comprises skids (22) and sliding guides (15) arranged at opposite ends of said base section (11) and of said mover (16) respectively. - said first stator unit (20) has a fixing axis (38) to the supporting structure perpendicular to a motor axis (39) and said fixing and motor axes (38,39) define a plane whose normal is the sliding axis (40) of said at least one mover (16).