Linear Transport Energy Transfer Using Coupled Movable Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear transport systems face limitations in energy transmission due to maximum transmissible energy values and frequency constraints, which can lead to insufficient energy delivery for applications requiring higher energy, especially when using contactless energy transmission between stationary and movable units.
Innovation Solution
The method involves coupling energy-transmitting elements between movable units to supplement energy transmission, allowing energy to be transferred from one movable unit to another, enabling the provision of additional energy required for applications, thereby overcoming the limitations of contactless energy transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If contactless energy transmission is used between stationary and movable units, then energy can be transmitted without physical connection, but the transmissible energy is limited to maximum values and frequency constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines contactless energy transmission from stationary units with contact-based energy transmission from other movable units. The movable unit receives energy through both inductive coupling from stationary coils and direct electrical connection via coupling elements from adjacent movable units, merging two energy transmission methods to overcome individual limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces coupling elements as intermediaries that enable energy transmission between movable units. These coupling elements act as mediators that can be connected to both the source movable unit and the target movable unit, facilitating energy transfer that supplements the contactless transmission system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If contactless energy transmission is used, then operational flexibility is improved, but energy delivery becomes insufficient for applications requiring higher energy
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges contactless inductive energy transmission with contact-based electrical energy transmission. The movable unit simultaneously receives power from stationary units through inductive coupling and from other movable units through direct electrical connections, combining both methods to achieve both flexibility and sufficient power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between or combines different energy transmission modes. The coupling elements can be connected or disconnected as needed, allowing the system to adaptively use contactless transmission for normal operations and engage contact-based transmission when additional power is required, creating a dynamic hybrid energy supply system.
3Productivity
If energy is transmitted from stationary units to movable units, then the movable unit can operate applications, but the energy amount is constrained by transmission limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges energy sources from stationary units and other movable units to provide comprehensive energy supply for applications. The target movable unit receives energy through dual channels: inductive transmission from stationary coils and direct electrical connection from adjacent movable units, combining both sources to meet application energy requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable units serve multiple functions: they can be driven by stationary units, transmit energy contactlessly to other movable units, receive energy from other movable units, and execute applications. This multi-functionality allows the system to overcome energy transmission limits by utilizing other movable units as intermediate energy sources.
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 ensures that applications can be executed without energy shortages by providing the necessary energy through a combination of contactless transmission and inter-movable unit coupling, enhancing the operational flexibility and reliability of the linear transport system.
Implementation Method 1
energy can be transmitted to the at least one energy-receiving coil of the movable unit by energizing the energy-transmitting coils of the stationary units
Implementation Method 2
an energization of drive coils and a magnetic coupling with magnets of the movable units may be used to actuate the movable units along the guide rail
Data Source
AI summary
A method for transmitting energy from a stationary unit of a linear transport system to a movable unit of the linear transport system. The linear transport system includes a movable unit and at least one further movable unit, a guide rail and a linear motor. The movable units include energy-transmitting coils. The following steps are carried out by a controller: determining that the movable unit requires an amount of energy to carry out an application that cannot be provided via energy transmission between energy-transmitting coils of at least one stationary unit to the at least one energy-receiving coil, and outputting control signals to at least one stationary unit for positioning the further movable unit in a transmission position on the guide rail immediately in front of or behind the movable unit, and for coupling energy-transmitting elements of the further movable unit to energy-transmitting elements of the movable unit.