Sequential Rotary Drive Track for High-Speed Independent Movers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current track systems for driving vehicles, such as linear synchronous motor (LSM) based systems, are limited in speed and magnetic thrust force, making them less suitable for high-speed converting applications, as they can only convey vehicles at velocities up to 2.5-5 meters/second and experience significant force drop-off with increased velocity.

Innovation Solution

A controlled motion system comprising a track with movers that have driven members engaged by rotary motors-driven drive elements, allowing for independent and controlled motion along the track, enabling higher speeds and forces by sequential engagement of drive elements like pinion gears and timing belts, and a programmable computer control system for precise velocity control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If linear synchronous motor (LSM) based systems are used to drive vehicles along a track, then independent movement of vehicles is achieved, but the maximum velocity is limited to 2.5-5 meters/second and magnetic thrust force drops off considerably as velocity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaximum velocityVSAvoidmagnetic thrust force

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electromagnetic propulsion system (LSM) with a mechanical drive system consisting of drive elements (pinion gears, timing belts) engaged with driven members (gear racks, toothed belts) on the movers. This mechanical substitution eliminates the velocity-dependent force drop-off characteristic of electromagnetic systems, enabling high-speed operation while maintaining consistent thrust force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The track is divided into multiple sections with drive elements positioned at spaced intervals along the path. Each drive element can independently engage and propel movers, allowing for segmented control that maintains force consistency across varying velocities and enables high-speed operation without the limitations of continuous electromagnetic propulsion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If linear synchronous motor (LSM) based systems are used, then vehicles can be conveyed along the track, but the system performance is less than desirable for high speed converting applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehigh speed converting capabilityVSAvoidconveying velocity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical drive system replaces the electromagnetic propulsion, providing the high acceleration and velocity capabilities needed for high-speed converting applications. The mechanical engagement between drive elements and driven members delivers consistent force across the operating range, enabling productivity improvements that were not achievable with LSM technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Speed

If multiple drive elements are arranged along the track to provide independent motion control, then higher speeds and forces are achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemover velocityVSAvoiddrive system configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive elements are designed with universal functionality, using standardized mechanical components (pinion gears, timing belts, gear racks) that can be replicated and positioned at various locations along the track. This modular, multi-functional approach allows the system to achieve high-speed independent control of multiple movers while managing complexity through component standardization and geometric arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-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 system enables independent control of movers at higher speeds and forces, matching the demands of high-speed converting operations by maintaining consistent tangential velocity and thrust force, even at increased velocities, and allows for flexible path configurations.

Implementation Method 1

The drive elements may each be driven by a rotary motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the drive elements are configured to sequentially engage the driven member of a plurality of the movers to provide controlled motion of the movers independently around the track

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force transmission: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11505410B2Method of independently controlling motion of movers along a path

Publication Date: 2022.11.22 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A system and an apparatus capable of independently driving movers are described herein. The system and apparatus includes: a track that forms a path for movers; a plurality of movers movably mounted on the track for moving along the path; and a plurality of drive elements fixedly arranged along the track. The drive elements each have a surface that is oriented to contact a driven member of the movers. The drive elements are configured to sequentially engage the driven member of a plurality of the movers to provide controlled independent motion of the movers along the track. The drive elements may be driven by rotary motors. A method of independently driving movers is also described herein.