Planar Motor Deflecting Module for Wear-Free Goods Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing goods transport systems face challenges in achieving increased throughput speed, versatility, and economic efficiency while handling complex transport routes and fragile goods, often requiring costly and wear-prone manipulators.
Innovation Solution
A goods transport system utilizing linear motors for feed and discharge rails, combined with a deflecting module as an active planar motor, enables contactless sliding and precise deflection of workpiece carriers, reducing the need for manipulators and enhancing throughput speed and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manipulators are used to deflect workpiece carriers and transport goods, then versatile handling is achieved, but device complexity and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical manipulators with an electromagnetic field-based deflecting module. The deflecting module uses electromagnetic forces to steer workpiece carriers without physical contact, eliminating the need for complex mechanical manipulator systems while maintaining versatile handling capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the control system and workpiece carriers. The deflecting module generates electromagnetic fields that act on the carriers to change their direction, serving as a non-contact mediator that replaces direct mechanical manipulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manipulators are used for deflecting workpiece carriers, then transport versatility is improved, but reliability decreases due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wear-prone mechanical manipulators with a contactless electromagnetic deflecting module. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and friction, significantly improving system reliability while maintaining the ability to deflect workpiece carriers to multiple destinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of manipulators (deflecting workpiece carriers) and implements it through a separate, simplified electromagnetic deflecting module. This modular approach removes the wear-related reliability issues associated with complex mechanical manipulator systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex manipulators are used for deflecting and handling, then versatile operation is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical manipulator systems with a more cost-effective electromagnetic deflecting module. The electromagnetic system requires fewer mechanical components, reducing manufacturing costs while providing equivalent or superior operational versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflecting module enables workpiece carriers to self-steer through electromagnetic guidance without requiring complex external manipulator systems. This self-service capability reduces the need for expensive, complex handling infrastructure.
4Productivity
If linear motors are used for feed and discharge rails, then throughput speed increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the feed rail, discharge rail, and deflecting module into a unified electromagnetic transport system. All three components use linear motor technology with consistent control architectures, reducing overall system complexity despite the high-speed capabilities of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear motor technology is applied universally across feed rails, discharge rails, and the deflecting module. This multi-functional application of the same technology platform simplifies system design and control while enabling high throughput speeds throughout the entire transport 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
The system achieves high transport speed, robustness, and reduced wear, allowing complex automation installations with compact construction and simplified handling, while supporting versatile and efficient operation of fragile goods.
Implementation Method 1
A workpiece carrier can be moved in a specifiable manner on the feed rail. The movement of the workpiece carrier is herein substantially a contactless sliding via electromagnetic fields.
Implementation Method 2
The deflecting module is configured as an active component of a planar motor. The deflecting module is provided with actuatable electromagnetic components, in particular, electromagnets that are configured to act upon the workpiece carrier.
Implementation Method 3
The deflecting module is provided with actuatable electromagnetic components, in particular, electromagnets that are configured to act upon the workpiece carrier.
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit for operating a goods transport system, a construction kit for producing the goods transport system, and a simulation program product for adjusting the operational behavior of the goods transport system, wherein the goods transport system includes a feed rail and a discharge rail that are each configured as a linear motor, where the rails are configured to linearly move a workpiece support, where a deflecting module is arranged between the feed rail and the discharge rail is configured to move the workpiece support in a specifiable manner, where the deflecting module is further configured as an active component of a planar motor.