Self-Powered Regenerative Braking for Component Carriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feeding devices lack the ability to precisely control the movement of component carriers on guide tracks based on loading conditions and weight, leading to congestion and potential collisions, and require external energy and control systems.
Innovation Solution
A feeding device with a mobile component carrier equipped with a braking system that uses a regenerative brake, allowing for adjustable braking effects based on direction and speed, eliminating the need for external energy and control, and enabling adaptation to different applications and load situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a braking device is arranged on the guide track to control component carrier movement, then movement control precision is improved, but device complexity and external energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The component carrier is equipped with its own braking device and control unit, making it self-sufficient for movement control. The braking device is activated by the control unit based on the carrier's own sensor inputs (speed, direction, load), eliminating the need for external guide track braking mechanisms and complex centralized control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical braking systems on the guide track with a simpler electromagnetic or friction-based brake integrated directly on the component carrier. This substitution reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining precise control capability through electronic control.
2Speed
If a braking device with external control is used on the guide track, then movement control is achieved, but energy consumption and control system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The component carrier autonomously controls its own braking without external energy supply or centralized control. The control unit on the carrier processes local sensor data and activates the brake only when needed, minimizing energy consumption compared to continuously monitored external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking device operates periodically or intermittently based on actual needs (detected by speed sensors and control logic), rather than being continuously activated. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective speed control.
3Device complexity
If fixed braking effect is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different loads and applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The braking device incorporates an adjustable control unit that can dynamically modify the braking effect based on detected load conditions, component weight, and application requirements. This dynamic adjustability allows the same device to adapt to varying loads without increasing fundamental system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit allows modification of braking parameters (force, activation threshold, duration) to match different load conditions and application needs. By changing these parameters rather than the physical braking mechanism, the system achieves versatility while maintaining structural simplicity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If braking device is integrated on component carrier, then adaptability and universal application are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The component carrier is designed as a universal platform with an integrated braking device that can be applied across multiple different applications and guideway systems. The standardized carrier design with built-in braking capability eliminates the need for application-specific braking modifications, reducing overall system complexity despite the added carrier functionality.
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 allows for precise control of component carrier movement, reducing congestion and collisions, and enabling universal use across various applications without external energy or control systems, while adapting to changing loads and component changes.
Implementation Method 1
A feeding device with a mobile component carrier equipped with a braking system that uses a regenerative brake
Implementation Method 2
The braking device comprises a braking medium connected to a rolling element
Implementation Method 3
US 4,351,241 A. It shows a feeding device with guide rails and a component carrier designed as a transport carriage, equipped with a braking device configured as a viscosity brake or an eddy current brake
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus (1) and a method for feeding components (3), wherein the feed apparatus (1) has a mobile component carrier (4) and a downwardly inclined guide path (6, 7), and rolling bodies (14) on the guide path (6, 7) and/or on the one or more component carriers (4) for rolling component-carrier transportation. The feed apparatus (1) also has a braking apparatus (21), which is assigned to a rolling body and brakes the same. The braking apparatus (21) is of self-sufficient design and can be operated by the kinetic energy of a mobile component carrier (4).