Linear Transport Element with Angular Runners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Linear transport systems face challenges in achieving the smallest possible transport division without increasing wear and load on bearing elements, while maintaining constant normal and propulsive forces along the transport path, which affects throughput and maintenance requirements.

Innovation Solution

The system employs individually controllable transport elements with a unique shape and magnetic interaction design, allowing for variable path-time profiles and adjustable bearing element spacing, enabling a minimum achievable transport division smaller than the longitudinal extent of the elements, and maintaining constant magnetic interaction distances even during curvature, using a non-parallel guidance of guide rails and long stators to compensate for overlaps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the longitudinal extension of the runners is minimized to reduce transport pitch, then the throughput of containers per unit time is improved, but the wear and stress on the bearing elements increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethroughput of containers per unit timeVSAvoidwear and stress on bearing elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional constraint (longitudinal extension only) to a two-dimensional solution by allowing the runners to have different orientations relative to the guide rails. By positioning runners at angles (e.g., 45 degrees) to the guide rails, the effective longitudinal projection is reduced while the actual runner length remains sufficient to provide adequate bearing element spacing, thus resolving the contradiction between minimizing transport pitch and reducing bearing wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces asymmetric positioning of runners relative to the guide rails. Instead of aligning runners parallel to guide rails (symmetric arrangement), the runners are positioned at asymmetric angles, creating different projection lengths in different directions. This asymmetric arrangement allows the runners to occupy less space in the transport direction while maintaining sufficient length for reliable bearing operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If the roller spacing in the longitudinal direction is increased to reduce wear and accommodate more load, then the bearing capacity is improved, but the transport pitch increases and throughput decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing capacity and wear resistanceVSAvoidtransport pitch and throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the spatial arrangement from collinear to angular. Runners are positioned at angles to the guide rails, which means that the distance between bearing elements measured along the runner length is greater than their projection onto the guide rail direction. This dimensional transformation allows adequate bearing spacing without increasing the effective transport pitch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent effectively segments the spatial relationship between runners and guide rails. By introducing angular positioning, the system separates the functional length of the runner (needed for bearing support) from its projection length (affecting transport pitch). This segmentation allows each dimension to be optimized independently for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If the guide rails and long stators are arranged parallel to maintain simple geometry, then the manufacturing is easier, but the distance between the secondary part and long stator changes during cornering, affecting propulsive forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeometric simplicity of guide rails and statorsVSAvoidnormal and propulsive forces on the rotor
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing the stator arrangement to differ from the guide rail arrangement in specific regions. While guide rails maintain their simple parallel geometry, the long stators are positioned at angles relative to the guide rails to compensate for the geometric overlaps that occur during cornering. This local modification to the stator positioning ensures constant magnetic interaction distance without requiring complex guide rail geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the angular parameter of stator positioning relative to the guide rails. By adjusting the angle at which long stators are arranged, the system compensates for the variable distances that occur during cornering maneuvers. This parameter adjustment maintains constant magnetic interaction geometry while preserving the simple parallel structure of the guide rails.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design enhances throughput, reduces wear on bearing elements, and maintains consistent propulsive forces, improving the efficiency and competitiveness of linear transport systems in container treatment plants.

Implementation Method 1

The transport elements are movable on a transport track of the transport system and can be moved by magnetic interaction with at least one long stator of a linear motor from one position to another position on the transport track

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic interaction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The transport elements each have bearing elements, in particular rollers, spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction, by means of which the transport elements are movably mounted on the transport track, in particular on the at least one guide rail

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling contact: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP4151571B1Linear transport system with minimum transport spacing
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 KRONES AG
  • EP4151571B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4151571B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4151571B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a transport element (410) for a transport system for transporting containers in a container handling plant with a transport track having at least one long stator of a linear motor, wherein the transport element can be movably arranged on the transport track and is designed such that it can be guided along the transport track by magnetic interaction with the at least one long stator, wherein the front and back (410F, 410R) of the transport element are shaped such that the transport element can be moved into each other with at least one further transport element at least in pairs (410N, 410V) to such an extent that a minimal transport division achievable in the transport system results which is less than the longitudinal extent of the transport element, wherein the transport element has rollers (480-1 - 480-4) spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, by means of which it can be movably mounted on the transport track.The transport element is characterized by the fact that the minimum transport division achievable in the transport system is less than the maximum distance between the rollers in the longitudinal direction.