Linear Transport Device Gap Variable Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional linear transport devices require significant space for maintenance and disassembly, making it difficult to remove the platform car without wide clearance and necessitating disassembly of stoppers, due to strong magnetic suction forces between the stator and mover when the coil is not energized.
Innovation Solution
A gap variable mechanism that elongates the gap between the stator and mover, reducing magnetic suction force, allowing the platform car to be easily detached and removed without the need for extensive space or disassembly, by using a lift mechanism to change the gap size between the stator and mover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the platform car is held on the rail by magnetic suction force between the stator and mover, then the platform car remains stably attached during operation, but it becomes difficult to remove the platform car from the rail during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The gap between the stator and mover is made variable rather than fixed. During operation, the gap is maintained at a normal small value to ensure strong magnetic suction force and stable attachment. During maintenance, the gap can be enlarged to reduce magnetic suction force and enable easy removal of the platform car.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic suction force is controlled by changing the physical parameter of the gap distance between the stator and mover. By adjusting this parameter, the system transitions between two states: strong magnetic attraction during operation and weak magnetic attraction during maintenance, resolving the contradiction between stable attachment and ease of removal.
2Ease of operation
If the platform car is removed by pulling from the rail end, then the platform car can be detached, but disassembly of stoppers and other parts is required
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper and other fastening parts are removed from the rail structure. The platform car is held on the rail solely by magnetic suction force between the stator and mover, without mechanical stoppers. This allows the platform car to be removed by simply pulling it off when the magnetic force is reduced, eliminating the need for disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical fastening systems (stoppers, clips, etc.) are replaced with a magnetic field-based holding system. The magnetic suction force between the electromagnet (stator) and the platform car (mover) replaces the function of mechanical stoppers, enabling easier removal by simply reducing the magnetic force through gap enlargement.
3Ease of operation
If wide space is provided around the device, then the platform car can be easily removed, but the device occupies more installation area
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field system serves dual functions: during operation, it provides strong holding force to keep the platform car on the rail; during maintenance, by simply enlarging the gap, it automatically reduces the holding force to enable easy removal. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external space assistance or complex removal mechanisms.
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
Enables efficient and quick removal of the platform car from the rail, even in confined spaces, reducing maintenance time and manual effort, as the magnetic suction force is minimized, eliminating the need for disassembly operations.
Implementation Method 1
By controlling current supply to the coil of the electromagnet, the propulsion is generated to the platform car based on the mutual effect of the magnetic flux between the stator and the mover
Implementation Method 2
since the stator of the base and the mover of the movable assembly are magnetically pulling to each other even in a state where the supply of alternating current is suspended
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a linear transport device. A platform car of the linear transport device is detachably mounted on a rail fixed to a base in an opposing direction along which the platform car faces the mounting surface of the base. A linear motor that drives the platform car is provided. The linear motor includes a stator disposed on the base and a mover disposed on the platform car so as to face the stator. One of the stator and the mover is a permanent magnet, and the other is an electromagnet. A relative position variable mechanism for relatively displacing the stator and the mover so as to reduce the magnetic suction force generated between the stator and the mover is provided.