Linear Motor Mover Magnetic Structure Centering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inconsistent mechanical and magnetic tolerances in the parts and subassemblies of linear motor movers result in inaccurate positioning and movement within the motor system, leading to reduced accuracy and inconsistent locations.

Innovation Solution

A multi-piece magnetic structure is coupled to the magnet subassembly, centered on the detected center of the magnetic field, to ensure consistent positioning and alignment, using adhesives like epoxy or glue to secure the magnetic structure, which includes a top plate and side plates with tabs and slots for precise alignment and centering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional single-piece magnetic structures are used in linear motor movers, then manufacturing is simpler, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to cumulative tolerances in parts and subassemblies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidmagnetic structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic structure is divided into multiple separate magnetic structure pieces that are positioned relative to each other. Each piece can be manufactured and positioned independently, allowing for precise alignment without cumulative tolerances from a single monolithic structure. The pieces are secured to the magnet subassembly in a configured relationship that achieves the desired positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic structure pieces are pre-positioned and pre-aligned before being permanently secured to the magnet subassembly. This preliminary positioning allows for precise adjustment and alignment to achieve the desired magnetic field centering, and then the pieces are fixed in place using adhesives or other securing mechanisms to maintain the precise positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple magnetic structure pieces are used to improve positioning accuracy, then manufacturing precision improves, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic structure is segmented into multiple pieces that can be manufactured separately using standard manufacturing processes. Each piece is designed with features that facilitate independent positioning and alignment, and the segmented approach allows for modular assembly that simplifies the overall manufacturing process while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Adhesives or other securing mechanisms serve as intermediaries between the magnetic structure pieces and the magnet subassembly, allowing for precise positioning without requiring complex mechanical fastening systems. The adhesive layer accommodates minor tolerances while maintaining the precise relative positioning of the magnetic structure pieces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If magnetic structure pieces are precisely aligned and secured, then positional accuracy improves, but manufacturing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic structure pieces are pre-positioned and pre-aligned outside the main assembly process, allowing for precise adjustment without time pressure. The pre-assembled pieces are then quickly installed onto the magnet subassembly, separating the time-consuming precision alignment work from the final assembly operation and improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic structure is divided into a smaller number of larger pieces rather than many small pieces, reducing the number of alignment operations required. Each segmented piece is designed to be positioned and secured in a single operation, minimizing the total assembly time while maintaining the precision benefits of having multiple separate components.

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

This approach enhances the positional accuracy of the movers by reducing machine, assembly, and magnetic tolerances, allowing the movers to move to consistent locations, with the magnetic structure centered within +/- 0.25 mm of the detected center, improving the overall precision and reliability of the linear motor system.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic structure disposed on at least one side of the magnet subassembly and creating with the magnetic subassembly a resultant magnetic field, the magnetic structure being centered on a detected center of the resultant magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

using adhesives like epoxy or glue to secure the magnetic structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3285379B1Mover for a linear motor system
Publication Date: 2022.05.25 MAGNEMOTION INC
  • EP3285379B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3285379B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3285379B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mover for a linear motor system includes a magnet subassembly. The mover includes a magnetic structure disposed on at least one side of the magnet subassembly and creating with the magnetic subassembly a resultant magnetic field. The magnetic structure being centered on the center of the resultant magnetic field. The mover includes a body structure mounted on or with reference to the magnetic structure to position a physical center of the body structure at approximately the center of the resultant magnetic field.