Magnetic Mover Recovery Control for Contact-to-Float Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-contact type transport systems face challenges in efficiently transitioning a mover from a contact state to a floating state, particularly when abnormal sensor readings cause the mover to come into contact with the transport path.

Innovation Solution

The transport system incorporates a stator with magnetic force units and a mover with corresponding magnetic force units, along with a control unit that applies a rotational force to the mover to facilitate transition from a contact state to a floating state by using regulating members on the stator and mover.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the mover transitions from contact state to floating state using conventional control methods, then the mover can be floated, but the instantaneous power consumption increases and the transition process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransition control reliabilityVSAvoidinstantaneous power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing a rotation process before the floating transition. The mover is rotated around a fulcrum (one of the regulating members) to bring it into contact with another regulating member, establishing a stable pivot point before applying the floating force. This preliminary rotation ensures that the subsequent floating transition requires less instantaneous power and occurs more smoothly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamics by using a two-stage transition process: first rotating the mover around a fulcrum to change its orientation and contact points, then transitioning to the floating state. This dynamic approach adapts the transition process based on the mover's contact state, ensuring reliable control while managing power consumption efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the mover transitions from contact state to floating state using conventional methods, then the mover can be floated, but the transition process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransition control reliabilityVSAvoidtransition time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation process serves as a preliminary action that prepares the mover for the floating transition. By rotating the mover around a fulcrum to establish contact with another regulating member first, the system creates an optimal starting position for the floating transition, making the overall process more efficient and reliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The transition process is segmented into distinct stages: rotation around a fulcrum, contact with the second regulating member, and then floating transition. This segmentation allows each stage to be controlled independently and optimally, improving overall transition reliability while managing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the mover contacts the transport path during operation, then the mover can be stabilized, but damage may occur during the transition back to floating state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemover stabilityVSAvoiddamage risk during transition
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by using the rotation process around a fulcrum as a protective measure. The regulated rotation around a stable fulcrum point and the controlled contact with the second regulating member cushion the transition process, preventing sudden impacts or unstable movements that could cause damage during the return to floating state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation around a fulcrum serves as a preliminary protective action that prepares the mover for safe floating transition. By establishing a controlled rotation process first, the system ensures that the subsequent floating transition occurs from a stable, controlled state, reducing the risk of damage.

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 solution enables efficient and controlled transition of the mover from a contact state to a floating state, minimizing the risk of damage and ensuring reliable operation of the transport system.

Implementation Method 1

The control unit controls a magnetic force acting between the first magnetic force unit and the second magnetic force unit to transport the mover in a first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The control unit performs a first process of applying a rotational force to the mover such that one of the first regulating members in the first regulating member row serves as a fulcrum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational force: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS12301144B2Transport system and control method of transport system
Publication Date: 2025.05.13 CANON KK
  • US12301144B2 patent drawing
  • US12301144B2 patent drawing
  • US12301144B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is provided a transport system comprising: a stator having a first magnetic force unit; a mover having a second magnetic force unit; and a control unit. The control unit controls a magnetic force acting between the first magnetic force unit and the second magnetic force unit to transport the mover in a first direction. The stator has a first regulating member row including a plurality of first regulating members and a second regulating member row including a plurality of second regulating members, the mover, in a second direction intersecting the first direction, being disposed between the first regulating member row and the second regulating member row. The control unit performs a first process of applying a rotational force to the mover such that one of the first regulating members in the first regulating member row serves as a fulcrum when the mover contacts the first regulating member row.