Openable Track Module for Carrier Exchange in Linear Motor Conveyors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear motor conveying systems face difficulties in inserting and removing carrier modules without interrupting normal operation, as typical track modules require removal or disconnection of entire modules for carrier module insertion or removal.

Innovation Solution

A track module design featuring a movable module part that can be independently opened and closed, allowing for easy insertion and removal of carrier modules without disrupting the system's operation, utilizing a hinge mechanism and electro-magnetic components for secure placement and retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the track module uses a fixed closed structure, then the system integrity is maintained, but carrier modules cannot be inserted or removed without disassembling the track module

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of carrier module insertion and removalVSAvoidstructural complexity of track module
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The track module is divided into a static part and a movable module part that can be independently opened and closed. This segmentation allows the movable part to be opened for carrier module insertion/removal while the static part remains intact, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable module part is designed to be dynamically openable and closable during system operation. This dynamic capability enables carrier modules to be inserted or removed without disassembling the entire track module, while maintaining system integrity when closed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the entire track module is removed for carrier module insertion, then easy access is achieved, but system operation is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to carrier moduleVSAvoidsystem operational continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the track module into static and movable parts, only the necessary movable part needs to be opened for carrier module access, while the rest of the system continues operating, thus maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable module part is extracted as a separate functional component that can be independently opened and closed, allowing carrier module insertion/removal without affecting the static part and interrupting system operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of repair

If the track module is disconnected for carrier module removal, then easy maintenance is achieved, but system integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of carrier module removalVSAvoidsystem integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Segmenting the track module allows the movable part to be opened for carrier module removal while keeping the static part connected and intact, maintaining system integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic opening and closing of the movable module part enables easy carrier module removal without permanent disconnection, preserving system integrity when closed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4421005A1Track module for a linear motor conveying system, linear motor conveying system and a method for operating a linear motor conveying system
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP4421005A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4421005A1 patent drawingFigure 3a
  • EP4421005A1 patent drawingFigure 3b~3c

AI summary

The invention relates to a track module (604) for a linear motor conveying system (100), wherein said track module (604) comprises a track component (610), and at least two bearing surfaces (631, 632), wherein said track component comprises (610), along at least part of a conveying path, a first side part (611), a second side part (612) and a bottom part (613), wherein at least a first one of the at least two bearing surfaces is arranged at or formed integrally with the first side part, and at least a second one of the at least two bearing surfaces is arranged at or formed integrally with the second side part, wherein said track module (604) comprises a static module part (661) and a movable module part (662), wherein the movable module part (662) comprises at least a part (611') of the first side part and at least a part (631') of the at least one first bearing surface, wherein the movable module part (662) is movable with respect to the static module part (661) between a closed state and an opened state, and wherein, when in the closed state, the first side part (611) and the second side part (612) are arranged opposite to each other, such that the at least one first bearing surface and the at least one second bearing surface face each other.