Link Chain Conveyor With Inductive Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor systems with lifting tables face challenges in contactless energy supply and adjustable working height, particularly in environments where magnetic and conductive materials interfere with inductive coupling.
Innovation Solution
A link chain conveyor system with a secondary winding on the workpiece carrier inductively coupled to a primary conductor system, using non-magnetically conductive support plates and a sliding plate to enable contactless energy transfer, allowing adjustable working height and simple installation, while reducing eddy current losses and facilitating data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If magnetic or electrically conductive support plates are used to provide structural strength and stability, then the mechanical stability and load-bearing capacity are improved, but the inductive coupling between the primary conductor system and secondary winding is interfered with, reducing energy transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into two distinct types of support plates: first support plates made of non-magnetic/non-conductive material (plastic or wood) positioned directly beneath the primary conductor system to avoid interference, and second support plates made of magnetic/conductive material (metal grating) positioned elsewhere to provide structural strength. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the support structure are assigned different material properties based on local requirements. The area directly under the primary conductor system uses non-magnetic/non-conductive material to maintain inductive coupling efficiency, while other areas use magnetic/conductive materials to provide mechanical strength and stability. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between structural requirements and electromagnetic performance.
2Reliability
If conventional contact-based energy supply is used, then reliable energy transfer is achieved, but the working height cannot be adjusted electrically and the system lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional contact-based mechanical energy supply with contactless inductive energy transfer using electromagnetic fields. The primary conductor system generates an alternating magnetic field that induces current in the secondary winding, providing reliable energy transfer without physical contact. This enables electrical adjustment of the working height through motorized lifting mechanisms while maintaining energy supply reliability.
3Strength
If metal link chains are used for conveyor function, then structural strength and durability are improved, but friction increases and eddy current losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces metal link chains with a sliding plate mechanism made of non-magnetic and non-conductive material (plastic or wood). This substitution eliminates eddy current losses that would occur with metal chains in the electromagnetic field and reduces friction during the lifting and conveying operations, while still providing the necessary conveyor function and structural durability.
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 contactless energy supply and adjustable working height, simplifies energy transfer and installation, and reduces friction and eddy current losses, ensuring stable and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a secondary winding arranged, in particular fastened, on the workpiece carrier supplying an electrical consumer, with the secondary winding being inductively coupled to a primary conductor system, in particular with the secondary winding is supplied contactlessly and inductively from the primary conductor system
Implementation Method 2
the first support plates being made of a less magnetizable and/or less magnetically and/or electrically conductive material than the second support plates are manufactured, the first support plates accommodating the primary conductor system
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
System with a link chain (5) which slides on a sliding plate (23) and is intended for conveying a workpiece holder (2), wherein a secondary winding (20) arranged on the workpiece holder (2) supplies an electric load, wherein the secondary winding (20) is inductively coupled to a primary conductor system (26), wherein the sliding plate (23) rests on first and second supporting plates (27, 28), wherein the first supporting plates (27) are manufactured from a material which is less magnetisable and/or less magnetically and/or electrically conductive than the second supporting plates (28), wherein the first supporting plates (27) accommodate the primary conductor system (26), in particular wherein the primary conductor system (26) is arranged between a first supporting plate (27) in each case and the link chain (5) and/or sliding plate (23).