Long-Stator Linear Motor Configuration for Pre-Commissioning Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The commissioning of long-stator linear motors is complicated by the lack of determinism in transport unit movements, which often reveals unsuitability of the transport device configuration only after commissioning, and is further challenged by thermal, mechanical, and electrical design complexities, especially in large-scale applications.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a time-dependent profile of electrical control variables for drive coils is used to simulate and adjust the transport device configuration before commissioning, ensuring feasibility of the product flow by modifying the electrical design to address potential issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the transport device configuration is determined without prior simulation, then the commissioning process is simpler, but configuration problems are only revealed after commissioning, leading to delays and additional work

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommissioning timeVSAvoidconfiguration verification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing configuration verification through simulation before actual commissioning. The control unit simulates transport unit movements and checks whether electrical control variables can be determined for all time steps, identifying configuration problems in advance. This prevents post-commissioning discoveries and reduces overall commissioning time despite adding a preliminary simulation step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the electrical design is modified to address configuration problems, then the reliability of product flow realization is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct flow feasibilityVSAvoidelectrical design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by using simulation results to guide electrical design modifications. The control unit checks whether electrical control variables can be determined during simulation, and if configuration problems are detected, the electrical design is modified based on this feedback. This iterative process ensures reliable product flow realization while managing design complexity through informed modifications rather than trial-and-error approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If simulation and verification steps are added to the commissioning process, then configuration problems are identified beforehand, but the commissioning process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration correctnessVSAvoidcommissioning process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing an automated self-verification mechanism where the control unit performs simulation and checks configuration correctness without requiring external manual testing. The system automatically determines whether electrical control variables can be determined for all time steps and identifies configuration problems, reducing the need for complex manual commissioning procedures despite adding verification steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 allows for a reliable and efficient commissioning process by identifying and resolving configuration problems beforehand, simplifying the setup and ensuring trouble-free operation.

Implementation Method 1

The drive coils are electrical coils that generate an electromagnetic field by applying a voltage to them. The interaction of the (electro)magnetic fields of the drive magnets and the drive coils produces forces on the secondary part, causing it to move relative to the primary part.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The interaction of the (electro)magnetic fields of the drive magnets and the drive coils produces forces on the secondary part, causing it to move relative to the primary part.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 3

lines are arranged in the stator or in a component adjacent to the stator, through which a coolant is passed. The coolant thus absorbs heat from the stator and dissipates it.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4541740B1Transport device in the form of a long stator linear motor
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP4541740B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4541740B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

To simplify the commissioning of a transport device (1) in the form of a long stator linear motor, it is provided that an electrical design (EA) is checked based on a time course of the electrical control variables of the drive coils (AS) for the realization of a product flow (P) and that a transport device configuration (TK) is changed with an electrical configuration before commissioning if the product flow (P) is not feasible due to the electrical design (EA).