Magnetic Component Identification for Automation and Clamping Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automation and clamping systems require additional components and energy sources for component identification, which complicates the commissioning process and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

A method using magnetic position detection, where characteristic magnetic field values of components are compared to stored reference values to identify components, eliminating the need for additional components or energy sources, and allowing automatic parameter set loading for control units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If barcodes or RFID tags are used for component identification, then component identification is enabled, but additional modules and energy supply are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent identification accuracyVSAvoidadditional modules and readout systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the component identification function with the existing magnetic position detection system. The same sensor unit that detects the position of movable components via magnetic fields also captures characteristic magnetic field values for identification. This merging eliminates the need for separate identification modules and energy sources, as the identification process uses the already-present magnetic detection infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic sensor unit serves dual purposes: it determines the position of movable components during operation and simultaneously identifies the component type by comparing characteristic magnetic field values against stored reference values. This multi-functionality allows a single system to handle both positioning and identification tasks without requiring additional specialized hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If barcodes or RFID tags are used for component identification, then component identification is enabled, but additional energy supply is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent identification accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption for identification system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The component identification process is performed autonomously using the existing magnetic field detection capability of the sensor unit. The system automatically captures characteristic magnetic field values during component operation and compares them with stored reference values, eliminating the need for separate energy sources or active power consumption that would be required by barcode scanners or RFID readers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If magnetic field characteristics are used for component identification, then no additional components or energy sources are needed, but the method requires comparing recorded magnetic field values with stored reference values

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelimination of additional modulesVSAvoidmagnetic field value comparison process
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent stores reference magnetic field values for different component types in advance within the control unit. During operation, the sensor unit captures characteristic magnetic field values and compares them against these pre-stored references, enabling rapid identification without complex real-time analysis. This preliminary preparation of reference data simplifies the identification process during actual component operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method simplifies the identification and commissioning of components, reduces the need for additional hardware and energy, and ensures accurate component recognition and control without user intervention.

Implementation Method 1

signal generators are known that generate a magnetic field, such as permanent magnets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The signals from the signal generator are detected using a sensor unit and the position of the movable component can ultimately be determined from the detected signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3829834B1Method for identifying a component of an automation or a clamping system and associated component
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 SCHUNK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3829834B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for identifying a component (10) of an automation system or a tensioning system and associated component (10).