Linear Motor Switch Transition Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport systems with linear motor drives face malfunctions due to manufacturing and operational tolerances, leading to imbalances in magnetic forces that affect the normal and switching forces, causing directional issues and system instability, particularly in transition areas where branch lines diverge from the main railway.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves optimizing the ratio of normal force to switching force in the transition area by adjusting the air gap and magnetic conductivity of linear motor strands, using independently controllable electromagnets, and modifying the linear motor base material to ensure reliable directionality and switching efficiency, allowing transport elements to be guided accurately along the main railway or branch lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the normal force is increased to improve guidance stability, then the transport element is held more securely on the track, but the switching force ratio becomes unbalanced causing directional malfunctions in transition areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the air gap distance between the linear motor strands and the transport element in transition areas. By increasing the air gap, the normal magnetic force is reduced, which balances the force ratio and prevents directional malfunctions during switching operations while maintaining adequate guidance stability in non-transition areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different air gap settings to different spatial locations: a larger air gap is used specifically in transition areas where switching occurs, while a smaller air gap is used in straight track sections. This localized adjustment optimizes both switching reliability and guidance stability in their respective operational contexts.
2Ease of manufacture
If manufacturing and operational tolerances are present in the system, then the system is easier to manufacture and operate, but imbalances in magnetic forces occur leading to system instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-configuring a larger air gap in transition areas before operational issues occur. This preventive measure compensates for potential force imbalances caused by manufacturing and operational tolerances, ensuring that even with component variations, the system maintains stability and avoids directional malfunctions.
3Reliability
If the air gap is increased to reduce normal force interference, then switching reliability improves, but the magnetic coupling between stator and mover decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different air gap distances in different operational zones: a larger air gap in transition areas to reduce normal force and improve switching reliability, and a smaller air gap in straight track sections to maintain strong magnetic coupling for efficient propulsion. This spatially differentiated approach optimizes both switching and propulsion performance.
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 enhances the reliability of the switching process by reducing normal force interference, ensuring accurate path selection and maintaining system stability by adjusting forces in the transition area, thereby preventing malfunctions and ensuring smooth operation.
Implementation Method 1
a defined propulsive force can be applied to each individual moving element along a transport path by the interaction of generated magnetic fields on one or more linear motor strings (also called stators) and a magnetic reaction element
Implementation Method 2
it is also known to use a normal force (magnetic normal force) to guide the movable transport elements on the transport track, which exerts a holding force on the movable transport elements
Implementation Method 3
The magnetic reaction elements on the moving transport elements can consist of, or comprise, permanent magnets and/or non-switching electromagnets
Implementation Method 4
By selectively energizing the linear motor trains on both sides of the movable transport elements, the forces in the transition area can now be influenced. In particular, the resulting force on the desired side of the switch can be increased, thus switching the switch so that the movable transport element is guided in the desired direction
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a switch (1) of a transport system for a movable transport element (T), wherein: the switch (1) comprises a main path (3) and a secondary path (4) which branches off; the movable transport element (T) can, proceeding from a transition region (2) in which the secondary path (4) branches off from the main path (3), either be guided along the main path (3) or transferred into the secondary path (4); one or more linear motor windings (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) for moving the movable transport element (T) are provided both on the main path (3) and on the secondary path (4); and a normal force is present between the movable transport element (T) and the adjacent linear motor winding or the adjacent linear motor windings (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d); characterised in that means for altering the normal force are provided in the transition region. The invention also relates to a transport system comprising such a switch and a transport element for such a transport system.