Magnetic Position Detection for Rotary Transfer Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing position detection systems for circulating transfer systems in packaging machines are prone to wear and have high production costs, and they are not suitable for independent speed control of multiple runners, which complicates the determination of exact runner positions.

Innovation Solution

A modular, wear-free position detection arrangement with parallel rows of position sensors on a sensor circuit board, where each sensor has overlapping areas perpendicular to the runner path, eliminating the need for active sensors on the runners and allowing for standardized, easily adaptable components that can cover various transport routes without electrical supply or signal transmission requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If contact-based position sensors are used to detect runner positions, then position detection is possible, but the system suffers from wear and high production costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidwear-free operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based position sensors with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnetic target element is attached to the runner, and magnetic sensors on the stationary circuit board detect the magnetic field changes as the runner passes, eliminating mechanical contact and wear while maintaining position detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the moving runner and the stationary sensors. The magnetic target element on the runner modulates the magnetic field, which is then detected by the magnetic sensors, allowing contactless position measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent runners are used for transport, then transport flexibility is improved, but determining exact relative positions between runners becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent runner speed controlVSAvoidrelative position determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a magnetic target element that creates a characteristic magnetic field signature on the runner. Each runner has its own magnetic target, and the stationary sensors detect these magnetic signatures to identify and track individual runners, enabling precise relative position determination even when runners operate independently at different speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If active sensors are placed on runners for position detection, then position measurement is possible, but electrical energy supply and signal transmission become necessary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverunner position detectionVSAvoidelectrical supply and signal transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing active sensors on the moving runner that would require power and signal connections, the patent inverts the arrangement by placing passive magnetic target elements on the runner and stationary magnetic sensors on the circuit board. This eliminates the need for electrical connections to moving parts while maintaining position detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Measurement precision

If custom position detection systems are designed for specific transport routes, then measurement accuracy is improved, but assembly and adaptation to different routes becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition measurement accuracyVSAvoidassembly and adaptation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the position detection system into a standardized stationary circuit board with magnetic sensors and separate magnetic target elements that can be attached to runners. The circuit board can be manufactured as a standardized module that adapts to different transport route configurations, while the magnetic targets are simple attachments on the runners, simplifying assembly and adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stationary circuit board with magnetic sensors is designed as a universal platform that can detect positions of runners on various transport route configurations. The magnetic field-based detection method works regardless of the specific geometric arrangement, allowing the same circuit board design to serve multiple transport route applications.

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

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 provides a cost-effective, reliable, and wear-free absolute distance measurement system that can accurately determine the position of each runner, enabling precise control and adaptation to different transport routes without the need for active sensors or complex electrical connections, thus simplifying assembly and expansion of existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

The position detection arrangement comprises a device for position detection with a large number of position sensors, which are arranged on the transport path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2430401B1Positioning system for a rotary transfer system
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2430401B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2430401B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2430401B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a positioning system (1) for a traveling transfer system, comprising a traveling transport belt (2), at least one traveler (3) which travels on the transport belt (2), and a positioning device (4) having a plurality of position sensors (5) which are arranged on the transport belt (2), the position sensors (5) being arranged in a first row (6) and a second row (7), the first row (6) being parallel to the second row (7), and the position sensors (5) being arranged in the direction of travel (A) in the first and second row (6, 7) in such a manner that the free ends of the position sensors (5) form overlapping sections (16) at a right angle to the direction of travel (A).