Magnetic Position Transmitter for Linear Motor Communication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems in multi-carrier systems and linear motors require complex installations of separate communication systems, which are not efficient and require additional hardware components.

Innovation Solution

A position transmitter system that uses a combination of a permanent magnet and an adjustable electromagnet to modulate a magnetic field for both position detection and information transmission between movable components, allowing for communication using existing hardware with minimal additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate communication systems are installed, then communication functionality is achieved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines communication functionality with the existing drive system by integrating a transmitter on the stator and receiver on the rotor (or vice versa). The transmitter generates magnetic fields that are detected by the receiver, enabling data transmission without separate communication hardware. This merging of drive and communication functions directly reduces device complexity and installation requirements while maintaining full communication capability between movable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate communication systems are installed, then communication functionality is achieved, but additional hardware components are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoidhardware components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the drive system components multi-functional by enabling them to perform both drive functions and communication functions. The stator electromagnets serve dual purposes: generating driving forces and transmitting communication signals. The rotor position sensors serve dual purposes: detecting position for control and receiving communication signals. This universality eliminates the need for separate communication hardware components.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The drive system serves itself by using its own electromagnetic fields and sensing capabilities for communication. The transmitter uses the existing magnetic field generation capability of the drive system, and the receiver uses the existing position sensing capability. This self-service approach allows the system to communicate without external communication infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If existing hardware is utilized for communication, then device complexity is reduced, but communication reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication function into distinct transmitter and receiver components that are integrated into the drive system. The transmitter is placed on the stator and the receiver on the rotor (or vice versa), creating separate functional units that work together. This segmentation allows for dedicated optimization of each component while maintaining overall system simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables simple and efficient communication between movable components of multi-carrier systems and linear motors by utilizing existing hardware, reducing the need for additional components and simplifying the installation process.

Implementation Method 1

a position transmitter system that uses a combination of a permanent magnet and an adjustable electromagnet to modulate a magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

modulate a magnetic field for both position detection and information transmission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field modulation: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

The multi-carrier system itself can also be network-connected... operates on the principle of a linear motor, in which the rail 17 is a stator and the carriages 15 are rotors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic propulsion: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Data Source

PatentEP4403880A1Communication in multi-carrier systems, linear motors, transport devices
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP4403880A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4403880A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4403880A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A position transmitter (100) has a first magnetic device (16, 101), preferably a permanent magnet, an adjustable second magnetic device (102) attached to or near the first magnetic device, which may be an electromagnet, and an adjustment device (103-106) for the second magnetic device, which is designed to initiate or make the adjustment of the second magnetic device according to information to be transmitted.