Magnetic Coupling Conveyor Cluster Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conveyor systems face challenges in efficiently handling light and flexible goods, such as items of clothing, due to poor static friction on driven cluster units, leading to uneven weight distribution and improper movement, and require improved maintenance and maneuverability to handle varying loads and navigate obstacles effectively.

Innovation Solution

A conveyor system with a control unit and sensor units that adjust the position and spacing of conveyed goods based on dimensions and content, using cluster modules with ball units for enhanced flexibility and reduced maintenance, and a magnetic coupling system for efficient operation, allowing for optimized alignment and spacing to improve conveying density and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If driven cluster units (rollers or omnidirectional wheels) are used to convey light and flexible goods, then the goods can be transported, but poor static friction occurs leading to uneven weight distribution and improper movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveying efficiencyVSAvoidstatic friction

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the cluster unit surface by applying a magnetic coupling system with magnetic strips or magnets. This creates magnetic attraction forces that supplement static friction, enabling reliable conveying of light and flexible goods without the slippage and uneven weight distribution problems associated with conventional rollers or omnidirectional wheels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If omnidirectional wheels are used to improve maneuverability and flexibility, then the conveyor can handle various materials and navigate obstacles, but cost, complexity, and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the omnidirectional wheel into simpler components: a conventional roller combined with magnetic coupling elements. This segmentation allows the system to achieve maneuverability through controlled magnetic forces while maintaining the simplicity and durability of roller-based construction, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical omnidirectional wheel mechanism with a simpler roller system enhanced by magnetic coupling. The magnetic field substitution for mechanical complexity allows maneuverability control without the intricate mechanisms of true omnidirectional wheels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If conventional rollers are used to reduce cost and simplify the system, then manufacturing and maintenance are easier, but maneuverability and precision are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidmaneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces magnetic coupling elements as an intermediary between the simple roller and the conveyed goods. This magnetic intermediary provides the additional maneuverability and control capabilities needed to overcome the limitations of conventional rollers, while the roller itself remains simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If conveying speed and capacity are increased, then productivity improves, but inertia forces and aerodynamic effects counteract frictional adhesion making entrainment more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveying speedVSAvoidentrainment force

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of force interaction by introducing magnetic attraction forces. These magnetic forces supplement and enhance the frictional adhesion between the cluster units and conveyed goods, providing sufficient entrainment force even at high conveying speeds where inertia and aerodynamic effects would normally overcome friction alone.

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

The system ensures efficient and precise handling of diverse goods, reduces downtime and maintenance costs, and enhances productivity by optimizing alignment and spacing, enabling better load distribution and flexible handling of various materials.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20240002161A1Conveyor system and method for conveying and adjusting the position and/or spacing of conveyed goods

Publication Date: 2024.01.04 FERAG AG

AI summary

A conveyor system for conveyed goods, in particular for parcel pieces and packages, is disclosed. The conveyor system includes at least one conveyor device, which includes at least one cluster module and at least one control unit connected to the conveyor device. The conveyor system has a superordinate control system which is connected to the at least one control unit in terms of control technology, so that an adjustment of the position of a conveyed good and/or spacing between adjacent conveyed goods occurs on the basis of control commands from the control system.