Magnetic Transport Mover Guide Rail Friction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatus for moving objects, particularly food product slices, face challenges in robustness, compactness, cleaning capability, and payload efficiency due to limitations in guide systems and friction resistance.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates dual-function guide rails with rolling or sliding elements that support vertical forces and provide a running surface, featuring protrusions and gaps for secure alignment and low friction, along with a modular design for easy replacement and integration of magnetic regions with sealing mechanisms for hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If guide rails are designed to engage into slits at the side surfaces of the runner, then the guide structure is simple and compact, but the friction resistance is high and wear occurs at the running surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional sliding contact mechanism with a magnetic field-based interaction system. The magnetic guide elements interact with the runner through magnetic forces without physical contact, eliminating friction and wear while maintaining guidance functionality. This substitution of mechanical contact with magnetic field interaction directly resolves the contradiction between simple guide structure and high friction resistance.
2Device complexity
If the guide serves dual function as both guide and support surface, then the device complexity is reduced, but the payload capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the guide system into separate functional components: magnetic guide elements for directional guidance and magnetic force generators for payload support. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, enabling the system to maintain integrated design simplicity while accommodating higher payload capacities through independent optimization of guidance and support functions.
3Reliability
If rolling elements are used to reduce friction, then the friction resistance is low, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rolling element system with a magnetic field-based propulsion and guidance system. Instead of using physical rollers that require bearings, axles, and mounting structures, the system uses magnetic forces to achieve contactless interaction, eliminating the complexity of rolling component assemblies while maintaining low friction benefits through the absence of physical contact.
4Strength
If the guide takes up vertical forces through rolling elements, then the support capability is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rolling element support systems with magnetic field-based force generation. The magnetic force generators create vertical magnetic forces to support the payload and counteract gravity without requiring physical contact surfaces that wear or mechanical components that fail. This eliminates maintenance requirements associated with bearing replacement, rolling element lubrication, and surface reconditioning while maintaining strong vertical support capability.
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 enhances the stability, security, and ease of maintenance of the transport movers, reducing friction and wear while maintaining high payload capacity and hygiene standards, suitable for diverse environments including food processing.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of transport movers (17) individually movable by means of magnetic conveying technology and/or linear motor technology
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of transport movers (17) individually movable by means of magnetic conveying technology and/or linear motor technology
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for moving objects comprising a plurality of transport movers individually movable by means of magnetic conveying technology and/or linear motor technology for transporting the objects; a path system for the transport movers in which the transport movers are movable along at least one predefined path in a transport direction; and a control device for controlling the movements of the transport movers in the path system, wherein the path system has a guide for the transport movers which extends along the path, characterized in that at least one rolling element or sliding element is arranged at each transport mover; and in that the guide takes up at least substantially vertical forces via the rolling element or sliding element, with the guide having at least one running surface, which extends along the path, for the rolling element or sliding element.