Planar Magnetic Drive Path Network for Collision-Aware Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Planar drive systems face challenges in efficiently determining and optimizing travel paths for movers on a drive surface, particularly in avoiding collisions and adapting to changing operating conditions, while ensuring optimal utilization and minimizing energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising plate-shaped sectors with magnetic field generators connected to a control unit that generates magnetic fields to move the mover along a determined travel path within a virtual path network, which includes alternative paths to adapt to operating conditions and prevent collisions, using predefined rules and priorities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed travel path is used for the mover, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot adapt to changing operating conditions and may cause collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The drive surface is divided into multiple plate-shaped sectors that can be independently controlled. Each sector can generate magnetic fields to guide the mover along different segments of alternative paths, enabling flexible routing without requiring a completely complex system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The path network is made dynamic through real-time control of magnetic field generators in each sector. The control unit can dynamically select and switch between alternative paths based on current operating conditions, mover position, and collision avoidance requirements, making the system adaptable without permanent structural changes
2Reliability
If alternative paths are provided in the path network, then collision avoidance and adaptability improve, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple alternative paths are pre-planned and defined in the control unit before operation begins. When the mover needs to change path, the control unit simply selects from these pre-defined options based on real-time conditions, reducing the computational complexity of real-time decision-making while maintaining high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the mover's position, speed, and the state of the drive surface sectors. This feedback enables the system to dynamically switch between alternative paths to avoid collisions and adapt to changing conditions, with the monitoring system providing real-time data for path selection decisions
3Productivity
If the mover can be moved quickly across the drive surface, then productivity increases, but energy consumption may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field generators operate in periodic cycles, activating only the sectors needed for the current movement phase. This allows the mover to travel quickly across the drive surface using predetermined paths while minimizing energy consumption by keeping magnetic field generators in idle sectors deactivated
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically adjusts magnetic field strength and activation patterns based on the mover's position, speed, and remaining distance to targets. By optimizing these parameters in real-time, the system achieves high productivity when needed while reducing energy consumption during slower or less critical movement phases
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 solution enables flexible and efficient planning of travel paths, optimizing movement dynamics, preventing collisions, and ensuring optimal energy use by dynamically adjusting the path network based on real-time conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a driving force is exerted on the mover by current-carrying conductors magnetically interacting with driving magnets of a magnet arrangement
Implementation Method 2
current-carrying conductors magnetically interacting with driving magnets of a magnet arrangement
Implementation Method 3
the control unit is embodied to actuate the magnetic field generators of the sectors with current in such a way that the mover is movable over the drive surface along the determined first travel path within the path network
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for determining a travel path for at least one mover on a drive surface, the mover comprising at least one second magnetic field generator, the device comprising a plurality of plate-shaped sectors, where the sectors comprise magnetic field generators for generating magnetic fields, and where the sectors form the drive surface. At least one virtual path network is provided on the drive surface, where a travel path for a mover is determined on the path network.