Linear Motor Interface with Wedge Locking for Bottom-Side Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing linear motor systems, attaching or removing the primary part from the carriage for maintenance or replacement requires significant effort, often necessitating the removal of the object or machine tool from the carriage, as access is typically needed from above.
Innovation Solution
An interface device with an attachment section and a blocking device, featuring a wedge and screw mechanism that allows the primary part to be releasably attached to the carriage from below, enabling easy insertion and removal along the axial direction without requiring top access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the primary part is bolted to the carriage from above using conventional methods, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the maintenance and replacement require significant effort and time due to the need to access from above and remove objects from the carriage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional attachment approach by fastening the primary part to the carriage from below instead of from above. The fastening device includes a fastening element that engages with a receiving structure on the carriage underside, allowing maintenance personnel to access and service the primary part without removing objects mounted on top of the carriage. This inversion directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining secure attachment while dramatically reducing maintenance time and effort.
2Device complexity
If the primary part is fastened from above to the carriage, then the attachment structure is simple, but the ease of operation for maintenance is poor due to required top access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of the fastening operation by moving from a vertical top-down approach to a horizontal bottom-up approach. The fastening device comprises elements that engage between the carriage underside and the primary part, creating a new operational dimension that allows access from the sides rather than requiring top access. This dimensional change improves ease of operation while keeping the attachment structure relatively simple.
3Reliability
If conventional fastening methods are used, then the attachment is secure, but the productivity is reduced due to the need to remove objects from the carriage for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the carriage structure into distinct functional zones: the upper portion for mounting objects and the lower portion for fastening the primary part. This segmentation allows independent access to the primary part without disturbing objects mounted on the upper portion. The fastening device is designed as a separate modular component that interfaces between these segments, enabling maintenance operations to proceed independently and thereby improving productivity while maintaining attachment security.
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
Facilitates the easy installation and removal of the primary part of the linear motor without needing to remove the carriage structures or objects on top, enhancing maintenance efficiency and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The locking device comprises at least one wedge and at least one screw, which are arranged to be movable relative to the interface device. The wedge and the screw are arranged such that the wedge can be moved relative to the interface device by actuating the screw.
Implementation Method 2
The wedge is designed to clamp the insertion section in a second direction that differs from the axial direction. The wedge is movable parallel to the axial direction by actuating the screw.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An interface device (100) for releasably attaching a primary part (210) of a linear motor (200) to a carriage (310) comprises an attachment section (110) for attaching a primary part (210) of a linear motor (200) to the interface device (100). The interface device (100) further comprises at least one insertion section (120a, 120b) designed for insertion into a receiving section (320a, 320b) of a carriage (310) along an axial direction (Rx) of the linear motor (200), and at least one locking device (140a, 140b) for releasably locking the insertion section (120a, 120b) in the receiving section (320a, 320b) of the carriage (310). Also described are a carriage, a carriage system, a linear motor system and a method.