Magnetic Vacuum Rail Motion With Spherical Rolling Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultra-high vacuum plants require mechanisms for friction-free and lubricant-free movement, which is challenging due to the need for low manufacturing tolerances and high operating times, and existing solutions like rolling cylinders are complex and prone to wear.

Innovation Solution

A mechanism using magnetic force to move a rail with spherical-shaped bodies or balls between a fixed and movable rail, eliminating edge-groove interactions and cylinder surfaces, allowing for simpler manufacturing and longer operating times without lubrication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rolling cylinders with edge-groove interactions are used, then friction-free movement is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and tolerance requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction-free movementVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical edge-groove interaction system with a magnetic field-based propulsion system. The movable rail is driven by magnetic forces generated by magnets arranged on the fixed rail, eliminating the need for precisely manufactured cylinders and guide grooves. This substitution of magnetic fields for mechanical contact reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining friction-free movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental interaction parameter from mechanical contact (edge-groove) to magnetic field interaction. By using spherical bodies that interact with the fixed rail through magnetic forces rather than physical interlocking, the system achieves the same friction-free movement goal with significantly relaxed manufacturing tolerances and simplified construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If rolling cylinders are used, then movement capability is achieved, but operating time and wear resistance decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement capabilityVSAvoidoperating time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs spherical-shaped bodies instead of cylindrical rollers. These spherical bodies roll between the fixed rail and movable rail, providing point contact rather than line contact. The spherical geometry enables smooth rolling motion with minimal contact area, reducing wear and extending operating time while maintaining full movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If point contacts with spherical bodies are used, then wear is reduced, but load-bearing capacity decreases compared to cylinder surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear resistanceVSAvoidload-bearing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical load-bearing system with a magnetic field-based support system. The spherical bodies are not solely reliant on contact pressure for load support; instead, magnetic forces generated by the magnet arrangement on the fixed rail provide additional support and control. This allows the use of smaller spherical bodies with point contact that would normally have low load capacity, while the magnetic field compensates to maintain adequate load-bearing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The mechanism achieves reliable, friction-free movement with reduced wear and increased tool life, exceeding state-of-the-art reliability and purity characteristics by more than a factor of 100, with the ability to operate over 3×10^7 cycles without lubrication and minimal pressure increase.

Implementation Method 1

a mechanism using magnetic force to move a rail with spherical-shaped bodies or balls between a fixed and movable rail, eliminating edge-groove interactions and cylinder surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling friction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a unit which is configured to move the movable rail by means of magnetic coupling relative to the fixed position rail and in order to hold the movable rail stationary following a successful movement of the movable rail

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11384791B2Device and vacuum chamber

Publication Date: 2022.07.12 MAX PLANCK GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus for sliding friction free and lubricant free movement in vacuum, wherein the apparatus has a fixed position rail and a rail movable relative thereto by means of magnetic force. The invention further relates to a vacuum chamber, for example for a coating plant having an apparatus in accordance with the invention.