Maglev Grouping Conveyor With Crossing-Free Mover Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grouping devices using magnetic levitation technology lack flexibility and redundancy in movement paths, making them less versatile and prone to operational disruptions if issues arise on one path.
Innovation Solution
The grouping device features crossing-free movement paths with separate loading and unloading areas, allowing for mixed object constellations and enabling movers to bypass loading positions, with rotational positions for adaptable object arrangement and quick mover changes, and includes a control device for synchronous movement and orientation adjustments to enhance throughput and handling of different object types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single shared movement path is used for all feed devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and reliability deteriorate because the system cannot handle multiple object types simultaneously and is prone to operational disruptions if issues arise on one path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single shared movement path into multiple separate, intersection-free movement paths, each dedicated to a specific feed device. This segmentation allows each path to operate independently, enabling the system to handle multiple object types simultaneously without interference, while maintaining manageable complexity through modular path design
2Device complexity
If a single shared movement path is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because problems on one path affect the entire system
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the movement system into multiple independent paths, the patent ensures that a problem on one path does not propagate to other paths. Each path can be maintained, repaired, or adjusted independently, guaranteeing operational continuity and system reliability even when individual paths experience issues
3Area of stationary object
If loading positions are placed close to the edge of the working surface, then the area utilization is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because movers cannot bypass loading positions efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions loading areas at a distance from the edge of the working surface, creating additional spatial buffer zone. This dimensional adjustment allows movers to bypass loading positions by passing under the ends of feed devices, transforming a two-dimensional space constraint into a three-dimensional solution that maintains both area efficiency and operational flexibility
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 allows for more versatile operation, maintaining functionality even if issues occur on one path, with improved throughput and efficient handling of various object types, ensuring continuous operation and efficient transfer to downstream devices.
Implementation Method 1
a conveyor device designed using magnetic levitation technology with a working surface formed by a plurality of stators, a plurality of movers movable on the working surface
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a grouping device (100) for grouping objects (O), comprising a magnetic levitation conveyor device (102) with a work surface (104), a plurality of movers (106) and a control device (108) for controlling the movement of the movers (106), at least one feeding device (112, 114, 116, 118) for feeding the objects (O) and loading at least one mover (106) located in a loading position (BP1, BP2, BP3, BP4), and at least one transfer device (120) which transfers the at least one object (O) in an unloading area (EB) to a downstream further device (122). According to the invention, the grouping device (100) comprises a plurality of feeding devices (112, 114, 116, 118), and the movers (106) are moved along crossing-free movement paths (PF1, PF2, PF3, PF4) from the loading positions (BP1, BP2, BP3, BP4) to the at least one unloading area (EB).