Linear Motor Assembly Clock Synchronization for Fault Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current linear motor systems in industrial applications, such as packaging assemblies, lack a robust and automatic method for error detection and synchronization of movable members, leading to imprecise sensor measurements and potential operational failures.

Innovation Solution

A linear motor system with a synchronization device that transmits a synchronization signal to movable members, allowing their processing units to adjust internal clocks and timestamp data synchronously, ensuring precise data correlation between on-board and off-board systems, thereby enhancing the accuracy of position and condition control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If operator checking or position error sensors are used to monitor package handling, then error detection capability is provided, but the system lacks automatic real-time monitoring and direct measurements of the forming and sealing process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror detection capabilityVSAvoidautomatic real-time monitoring
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by equipping movable members with processing units that collect data from sensors during the forming and sealing process, transmit this data to a central system, and enable real-time monitoring and automatic error detection, replacing manual checking with automated feedback loops

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-monitoring through onboard sensors and processing units that automatically detect errors and transmit data without requiring external operator intervention, enabling the system to monitor its own operation and detect failures autonomously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If movable members operate independently without synchronization, then system simplicity is maintained, but sensor measurements become imprecise and failure detection is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor measurement accuracyVSAvoidsynchronization system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic synchronization where a central system periodically transmits synchronization signals to movable members at defined intervals, ensuring that all sensors and processing units operate on a synchronized timeline while maintaining operational simplicity through regular periodic updates rather than continuous complex coordination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4130910A1A linear motor system, corresponding forming assembly and method
Publication Date: 2023.02.08 TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA
  • EP4130910A1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4130910A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6
  • EP4130910A1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

There is described a linear motor system, comprising: - a track (1), - a synchronization device (3) configured to transmit a synchronization signal (S), - at least one movable member (2) coupled to the track (1) and configured to move along said track (1), the at least one movable member (2) comprising a synchronization sensor (20), configured to detect the synchronization signal (S), and a processing unit (22) coupled to the synchronization sensor (20) and configured for adjusting an internal clock as a function of said synchronization signal (S).