Magnetic Robot Transfer Across Multi-Surface Workspaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current displacement devices have limited range of motion in directions orthogonal to a working surface and are expensive, lacking the ability to move between multiple working surfaces efficiently, and often require mechanical contact or cables, which can lead to contamination and mechanical failures.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic movement apparatus comprising multiple magnetic bodies with magnet arrays that interact with magnetic fields to enable controlled movement in multiple directions without mechanical contact, using magnetic fields to modulate the position of movers relative to work bodies and transfer devices between different work surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If magnetic fields are used to move robots between work surfaces, then the range of motion in orthogonal directions is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based motion systems with magnetic field-based actuation. Magnetic bodies embedded in robots interact with magnetic fields generated by electrically conductive elements in work bodies to achieve contactless motion in multiple directions including orthogonal movements between work surfaces, eliminating the need for mechanical guides and reducing motion range limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends motion from traditional two-dimensional planar movement to three-dimensional movement by enabling robots to move between different work surfaces stacked in the Z-direction. Multiple work bodies can be positioned at different heights, and magnetic actuation allows robots to transition between these vertical layers, adding a third dimension to the workspace.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If magnetic fields are used for movement, then mechanical contact is eliminated reducing contamination, but the cost of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical contact between robots and work surfaces by using magnetic field actuation. Electrically conductive elements embedded in work bodies generate magnetic fields that interact with magnetic bodies in robots, enabling contactless propulsion and positioning. This eliminates wear, friction, and contamination associated with mechanical contacts while maintaining cost-effectiveness through the use of standard electromagnetic components.
3Productivity
If multiple work surfaces are used, then productivity is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple work surfaces stacked in the vertical Z-direction, creating a multi-layer workspace. Robots can move between these layers using magnetic actuation, enabling parallel processing and multi-stage operations without requiring horizontal expansion. This vertical stacking increases productivity by allowing simultaneous operations on different layers while compacting the device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal magnetic actuation system that can operate across multiple work surfaces with the same magnetic bodies and control mechanisms. The same magnetic field generation principles apply to all work bodies, allowing a single robot design to service multiple layers, reducing overall system complexity despite the increased number of work surfaces.
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 allows for extended range of motion in multiple directions, reduces contamination risks, and eliminates the need for mechanical contact and cables, enhancing efficiency and reliability in manufacturing and automation processes.
Implementation Method 1
each magnetic body in the plurality of magnetic bodies comprising at least one magnet array comprising a plurality of magnetization elements configured to cause the at least one mover to experience one or more forces when at least one of the plurality of magnetization elements interacts with one or more magnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
Attempts have been made to design such displacement devices using the interaction between current flowing through electrically conductive elements and permanent magnets
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.