Long Stator Linear Motor Trigger Point Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional long-stator linear motors face complexity in managing multiple transport units with fixed movement profiles, leading to high memory requirements and difficulty in changing functionality during operation, especially when dealing with complex conveyor systems and numerous line sections with switches.

Innovation Solution

Assigning a unique memory area to each transport unit and using trigger points with associated executable program codes that can be checked and executed based on specific conditions, allowing for dynamic adjustment of movement profiles and reducing the need for redundant program code storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed movement profile is planned in advance for each transport unit, then the control of transport units along complex conveyor paths is manageable, but the memory requirements increase significantly and functionality cannot be easily changed during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility to change functionality during operationVSAvoidcomplexity of control and regulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the program code into trigger point-specific modules rather than assigning complete movement profiles to each transport unit. Each trigger point has its own executable program code that is activated only when relevant, dividing the overall control logic into smaller, manageable segments that reduce memory requirements while maintaining control capability for complex conveyor paths

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic program code execution where the system adapts its behavior based on real-time conditions. Instead of static pre-planned profiles, the control system dynamically determines which trigger points to activate and in what sequence, allowing functionality to be changed during operation without requiring complete reprogramming of each transport unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If function blocks are duplicated for each transport unit to enable independent control, then each unit can be controlled independently, but the memory consumption increases due to redundant program code storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent control of transport unitsVSAvoidmemory requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates universal trigger point program codes that can be applied to multiple transport units. Instead of duplicating complete control programs for each unit, a single trigger point's program code serves multiple purposes and can be executed for different transport units as they pass through that trigger point, enabling independent control while sharing common control logic

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a copying approach where trigger point program codes are replicated in execution rather than stored. The same program code can be instantiated multiple times during operation for different transport units, allowing independent control functionality without permanently storing redundant copies in memory

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple program codes are assigned to different trigger points for dynamic movement profile adjustment, then flexibility to change movement profiles at runtime is improved, but the computing power required for execution increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to change movement profile at runtimeVSAvoidcomputing power usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic activation of trigger point program codes based on the passage of transport units. Instead of continuously executing all possible control logic, the system activates specific program codes only when a transport unit reaches the corresponding trigger point, reducing overall computing power usage while maintaining the ability to dynamically adjust movement profiles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by making trigger point program codes position-specific and condition-specific. Each trigger point has tailored program code that executes only under relevant conditions, avoiding the execution of unnecessary computational logic and reducing overall computing power requirements while preserving runtime flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 simplifies the operation of long-stator linear motors by reducing memory requirements, enhancing flexibility, and enabling easy changes to functionality, even during operation, as only a single program code needs to be modified for all units, while minimizing computing power usage.

Implementation Method 1

The drive coils are energized, for example by applying an electrical voltage, in order to generate a moving magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The moving magnetic field interacts with drive magnets, usually permanent magnets or electromagnets, on a transport unit in order to move the transport unit according to the motor principle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force interaction: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3385803B1Method for operating a long stator linear motor
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 B&R IND AUTOMATION GMBH
  • EP3385803B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3385803B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3385803B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

In order to enable simple operation of a conveying device (1) in the form of a long stator linear motor, a first trigger point (Tx) is defined at at least one first position (Px) of the conveying path (2) and a first program code (Fx) executable in the plant control (6) is assigned to the first trigger point (Tx), with which a transport unit (TEn) is moved along a section of the conveying path (2) according to a defined motion profile, and this program code (Fx) is executed for each transport unit (TEn) that reaches the first trigger point (Tx).