Non-contact Power Supply for Drive Device Cables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing substrate work machines face issues with cable disconnection and space occupancy due to the use of power supply cables, despite wireless communication being implemented.

Innovation Solution

A drive device that employs non-contact power supply and optical wireless communication, eliminating the need for physical cables by using electric field coupling for power transmission and optical wireless communication for signal exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a power supply cable is used to supply power to the movable unit, then power can be reliably supplied, but cable disconnection occurs and space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supplyVSAvoidcable connection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a non-contact power supply system using electromagnetic coupling. The primary winding on the fixed side and secondary winding on the movable side create a magnetic field that transfers power wirelessly, eliminating the mechanical cable that causes disconnection and space occupation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary to transfer power between the fixed section and movable unit. The magnetic coupling acts as a mediator that enables power transmission without direct physical contact, solving the cable disconnection problem while maintaining reliable power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If a power supply cable is used to supply power to the movable unit, then power can be supplied, but space is occupied by the cable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supplyVSAvoidspace occupied

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable system with electromagnetic coupling, eliminating the physical cable that occupies space. The non-contact power supply uses magnetic fields for energy transmission, freeing up space that would otherwise be occupied by cables and their routing infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If wireless communication is used for signal transmission, then space is saved and disconnection is prevented, but power supply still requires cables

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidpower supply method

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the wireless communication system already present in the movable unit with a non-contact power supply system. Both functions utilize electromagnetic coupling - communication uses radio waves while power supply uses magnetic coupling at power frequencies - allowing both signal and power transmission without cables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If deformable cables are used for power and communication, then connections can be maintained during movement, but disconnection and space occupation occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable flexibilityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the deformable cable system with non-contact electromagnetic coupling. This substitution maintains adaptability during movement through magnetic field coupling while eliminating the inherent reliability issues of deformable cables such as disconnection, wear, and space occupation.

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

This solution prevents cable disconnection and saves space by enabling wireless power supply and communication, while maintaining stable and high-quality data transmission.

Implementation Method 1

a non-contact power supply unit that supplies power to a power receiving unit (67) provided in the first movable unit (3) from a power transmission unit (51) provided in the fixed section (2) in a non-contact manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2903407B1Drive device

Publication Date: 2021.08.04 FUJI CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

A drive device includes a fixed section, a first communication unit that is provided in the fixed section, a first movable unit that is adapted to be movable relative to the fixed section in a first direction, a second communication unit that is provided in the first movable unit and is adapted to wirelessly communicate with the first communication unit, and a non-contact power supply unit that supplies power to a power receiving unit provided in the first movable unit from a power transmission unit provided in the fixed section in a non-contact manner.