Magnet Switch Transition Area Force Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transport systems with linear motor drives face malfunctions due to manufacturing-related tolerances and operational tolerances, leading to imbalanced normal forces between movable transport elements and stators, which can result in unreliable guidance and switching at transition areas.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves optimizing the ratio of normal force to switching force in transition areas by increasing the magnetic field strength and shifting force through higher winding numbers and current intensity in linear motor strands, and adjusting the air gap and magnetic conductivity to enhance the switching force, ensuring reliable guidance and switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manufacturing tolerances and operational tolerances are present in transport systems with linear motor drives, then the system can be manufactured and operated, but the normal forces between movable transport elements and stators become imbalanced, leading to unreliable guidance and switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of guidance and switchingVSAvoidtolerances in distances and magnet strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the magnetic field strength of linear motor strands in transition areas. By increasing the winding numbers and current intensity in specific stators located in transition zones, the system compensates for tolerance variations and ensures sufficient switching force to overcome imbalanced normal forces, thereby maintaining reliable guidance and switching despite manufacturing and operational tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the magnetic field strength is increased in transition areas through higher winding numbers and current intensity, then the switching force is enhanced for reliable guidance, but the energy consumption and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of switchingVSAvoidenergy consumption of linear motor strands
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by concentrating enhanced magnetic field strength specifically in transition areas where switching occurs. Only the linear motor strands located in transition zones have increased winding numbers and current intensity, while other areas operate with standard parameters. This localized approach ensures reliable switching where needed without unnecessarily increasing energy consumption system-wide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the air gap is adjusted and magnetic conductivity is optimized to enhance switching force, then the ratio of switching force to normal force is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching force ratioVSAvoidmanufacturing of transition area components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the air gap dimensions and magnetic conductivity values in transition area stators. These parameter adjustments enhance the magnetic coupling and switching force without requiring fundamental design changes. The optimized parameters allow standard manufacturing processes to produce components with improved performance, balancing manufacturing ease with enhanced switching reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 reliable guidance and switching of transport elements by increasing the switching force relative to normal force, reducing the impact of tolerances and disturbances, thereby improving the overall functionality of transport systems, especially in beverage bottling plants.

Implementation Method 1

a defined propulsion force can be applied to each individual movable element along a transport path through the interaction of magnetic fields generated on one or more linear motor strands and a magnetic reaction element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

it is also known to use a normal force (magnetic normal force) to guide the movable transport elements on the transport path, which causes a holding force of the movable transport elements in the direction of the adjacent linear motor train

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic normal force: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

the force for selectively guiding the movable transport element along the main track or in the direction of the secondary track, here for example by selectively energizing the linear motor strands in the transition area of the switch, is referred to as the switching force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic switching force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3625080B1Magnet switch for a transport system
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 KRONES AG
  • EP3625080B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3625080B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3625080B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a switch (1) of a transport system for a movable transport element (T), wherein: the switch (1) comprises a main path (3) and a secondary path (4) which branches off; the movable transport element (T) can, proceeding from a transition region (2) in which the secondary path (4) branches off from the main path (3), either be guided along the main path (3) or transferred into the secondary path (4); one or more linear motor windings (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) for moving the movable transport element (T) are provided both on the main path (3) and on the secondary path (4); and a switching force, using which the movable transport element can be transferred along the main path (3) or into the secondary path (4), can be produced by means of the one or more linear motor windings; characterised in that means for increasing the switching force are provided in the transition region. The invention also relates to a transport system comprising such a switch and a transport element for such a transport system.