Magnetic Robot Transfer Across Multi-Level Working Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing displacement devices are limited in their range of motion in directions orthogonal to a working surface, have limited multi-level working surface capabilities, and are costly due to the integration of magnetic systems, lacking on-mover actuation and active manipulation of workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic movement apparatus comprising magnetic bodies with magnet arrays that interact with electrically conductive elements in a work body to enable controllable motion in multiple directions, including levitation, and a mechanical link system for detachable coupling of gears, allowing movement between multiple working surfaces and integration with low-cost mechanical transfer devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If magnetic systems are integrated to enable controllable motion in multiple directions including levitation, then motion range in orthogonal directions is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic movement apparatus is divided into separate functional modules: magnetic bodies with magnet arrays for levitation and motion control, work bodies with electrically conductive elements for field generation, and mechanical transfer devices for positioning. This segmentation allows the magnetic system to provide enhanced motion range without requiring complete system redesign, thereby managing complexity through modular architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic bodies with magnet arrays are used to interact with electrically conductive elements, then controllable motion in multiple directions is achieved, but production footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic bodies serve multiple functions: they generate magnetic fields for levitation, interact with electrically conductive elements for controlled motion in multiple directions, and can be transferred between different work bodies. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall production footprint while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of manufacture
If mechanical link systems with detachable gear coupling are implemented, then integration with low-cost mechanical transfer devices is enabled, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical link system with detachable gear coupling acts as an intermediary between the magnetic movement apparatus and mechanical transfer devices. This intermediary mechanism provides standardized interfaces that simplify integration with low-cost mechanical systems while incorporating precision features only where necessary for accurate positioning and detachable coupling, thereby balancing manufacturing precision requirements with ease of manufacture.
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
Enhances motion range in orthogonal directions, facilitates multi-level working surface utilization, reduces production footprint, and enables active manipulation and cost-effective integration with mechanical transfer systems.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic bodies with magnet arrays that interact with electrically conductive elements in a work body to enable controllable motion in multiple directions, including levitation
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments relate to magnetically moveable displacement devices or robotic devices. Particular embodiments provide systems and corresponding methods for magnetically moving multiple movable robots relative to one or more working surfaces of respective one or more work bodies, and for moving robots between the one or more work bodies via transfer devices. Robots can carry one or more objects among different locations, manipulate carried objects, and/or interact with their surroundings for particular functionality including but not limited to assembly, packaging, inspection, 3D printing, test, laboratory automation, etc. A mechanical link may be mounted on planar motion units such as said robots.