Planar Motor Segment Orientation for Directional Force Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing planar motors exhibit inefficiencies in operation due to differing efficiencies and maximum forces in different movement directions, primarily caused by varying distances of drive coils from drive magnets, leading to suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
The transport segment is oriented such that the first movement path proportion in the first main direction is greater than or equal to the second movement path proportion, ensuring predominant movement in the first direction for enhanced efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If drive coils are arranged at different distances from drive magnets in different movement directions, then the planar motor can generate different maximum forces in different directions, but the efficiency and performance differ between movement directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different coil properties (such as different numbers of windings, different wire diameters, or different coil geometries) to drive coils in different movement directions. This allows each coil group to be optimized for its specific direction, creating different maximum forces while maintaining efficient operation in each direction according to the actual movement path requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by deliberately designing unequal coil configurations for different movement directions. The first coil group has different properties than the second coil group, creating an asymmetric motor structure that matches the asymmetric movement path characteristics, where movement in the first direction occurs more frequently or over longer distances
2Productivity
If the transport segment is oriented to optimize movement in the first main direction, then efficiency is improved for predominant movement paths, but movement capability in the second direction may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the coil activation dynamic and adaptive. The control system dynamically selects which coil groups to activate and adjusts their current based on the required movement direction and path. This allows the motor to optimize efficiency for the predominant first direction while maintaining the capability to move in the second direction when needed, rather than being fixed in one optimization direction
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 configuration results in a more efficient operation of the transport device by optimizing movement predominantly in the first main direction, thereby improving overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
a driving force acting on the transport unit is generated by a magnetic field of the stator (of the transport segment(s)) interacting with a magnetic field of the transport unit
Implementation Method 2
Due to the levitation force, the transport unit can be held in a constant position, e.g., an air gap can be created or adjusted and maintained between the transport unit and the transport segments
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a transport device in the form of a planar motor. In one example embodiment, the transport device includes at least one transport segment forming a transport plane, at least one transport unit movable in the transport plane in at least two-dimensions associated with two main movement directions, and first and second coil groups. The first coil group defines the first main movement direction and has drive coils arranged on the at least one transport segment, and the second coil group defines the second main movement direction and has drive coils arranged on the at least one transport segment. The transport device further includes drive magnets arranged on the at least one transport unit and a control unit. The control unit controls the drive coils of the first coil group and the drive coils of the second coil group.