Perpendicular Magnetic Transport System with Form-Fitting Carrier Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic transport systems cannot seamlessly transfer payloads between horizontal and vertical transport devices without a special separate handling system.
Innovation Solution
A transport system with horizontal and vertical stators, where carriers equipped with engagement means allow for positive engagement and secure transfer between devices, eliminating the need for additional actuation or handling systems, and enabling movement in multiple planes without contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate handling system is used to transfer payloads between horizontal and vertical transport devices, then payload transfer is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the payload transfer function directly into the carrier design by integrating engagement means (hooks, latches, or magnetic elements) that enable automatic coupling with both horizontal and vertical carriers. This merging eliminates the need for a separate handling system, reducing device complexity while maintaining payload transfer capability between different transport device orientations
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is designed with universal engagement means that can interface with both horizontal and vertical carriers through the same coupling mechanism. This multi-functionality allows a single carrier design to operate across different transport device orientations without requiring specialized handling equipment for each transfer scenario
2Reliability
If engagement means are added to carriers for positive engagement, then transfer reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement means are designed to enable automatic coupling between carriers during the transfer process. The carrier's engagement features (such as hooks that engage with latches, or magnetic elements that attract and secure) allow the system to self-secure the payload without requiring additional actuation or complex control mechanisms, thereby improving reliability while minimizing added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent describes engagement means that may include magnetic elements or simple mechanical features like hooks and latches. These relatively simple mechanisms replace more complex mechanical coupling systems, achieving reliable positive engagement through straightforward geometric or magnetic interactions rather than multi-component mechanical assemblies
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 continuous, cost-effective, and gravity-supported transfer of payloads between horizontal and vertical transport devices, ensuring precise positioning and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a horizontal transport device with a horizontal stator, by means of which at least one horizontal carrier can be moved in a horizontal plane
Implementation Method 2
a vertical transport device with a vertical stator, by means of which at least one vertical carrier can be moved in a vertical plane
Implementation Method 3
the carrier is supported against gravity on the respective carrier
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a transport system consisting of two flat transport devices which are arranged perpendicularly to each other. Each transport device has a stator, along the plane of which at least one carrier (4, 16) can be moved. At least one support (20) is provided for receiving a payload (22). The support (20) can be brought into form-fitting engagement with the horizontal carrier (4) via a first engagement means and into form-fitting engagement with the vertical carrier (16) via a second engagement means. The two form-fitting engagements are designed such that the support (20) is supported against each carrier (4, 16) against the force of gravity and is prevented from horizontally moving or rotating, and the support (20) is transferred between the two transport devices only by means of the aforementioned movement functions of the two pertinent carriers (4, 16).