Magnetic Biasing for Lifting Roller Cam Wear Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container treatment systems experience high wear on lifting cam and roller components due to impact loading and changes in running direction, leading to increased friction and energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A device with a lifting roller magnetically prestressed against one cam track, preventing it from switching between tracks and reducing wear by maintaining consistent contact with one track, with an emergency track for high-load situations, and adjustable magnetic biasing to match treatment processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the lifting roller is allowed to swing between two guideways with clearance, then the device can accommodate load changes and container treatment forces, but the lifting roller repeatedly contacts both guideways causing high wear and impact loading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate load changesVSAvoidwear on guideways

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical swing mechanism with a magnetic field-based positioning system. A magnet mounted on the lifting roller creates magnetic attraction to one guideway, eliminating the need for physical contact and swinging between guideways. This substitution reduces mechanical wear while maintaining the ability to accommodate load changes through the flexible magnetic coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the lifting roller and the guideway. Instead of direct mechanical contact causing wear, the magnetic field mediates the interaction, providing a non-contact force that holds the roller against the guideway. This intermediary approach eliminates impact loading while maintaining positional stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the lifting roller switches between guideways to follow lifting curve changes, then the device can track the lifting profile, but the direction changes cause impact loading and increased friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking of lifting profileVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical switching mechanism between guideways with a magnetic field that can be selectively activated. By using magnets on only one guideway or selective magnet activation, the system eliminates the need for physical switching and direction changes, reducing friction and energy consumption while maintaining profile tracking capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the magnetic field application to specific zones along the lifting curve. Rather than requiring continuous switching, magnets are placed only in specific sections where needed, allowing the lifting roller to follow the profile in discrete segments without unnecessary direction changes, thereby reducing overall friction and energy use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If clearance is provided between lifting roller and guideways, then the roller can swing to accommodate forces, but the clearance allows detachment and subsequent impact when forces change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse to treatment forcesVSAvoidimpact loading

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical clearance-based swing mechanism with a magnetic field that maintains continuous contact force. The magnetic attraction ensures the lifting roller remains firmly attached to the guideway without clearance, eliminating detachment and impact loading while still allowing response to treatment forces through the flexible magnetic coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining a constant attractive force that prevents detachment before it can occur. This pre-applied magnetic force acts as a cushion against unexpected load changes, ensuring continuous contact and preventing impact loading when forces change during container treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Reduces wear on lifting roller and cam components, decreases friction, and lowers energy consumption by minimizing direction changes and contact shifts, while ensuring reliable operation under varying loads.

Implementation Method 1

the lifting roller is magnetically prestressed against one of the cam tracks in at least one section of the lifting curve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic prestress: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3031738B1Device for performing a stroke movement for container treatment in a container treatment assembly

Publication Date: 2020.07.01 KRONES AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) for performing a lifting movement for container treatment in a container treatment plant, comprising a lifting roller (30) and a lifting cam (20) which has two opposing cam tracks (22, 23) for guiding the lifting roller (30), wherein the lifting roller (30) rolls on one of the two cam tracks (22, 23) at a time, wherein the lifting roller (30) is magnetically biased against one of the cam tracks (22, 23) in at least one section of the lifting cam (20).