Linear Motor Secondary Part Alignment for Equal Magnetic Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting magnetic forces in linear motor systems used in container handling systems are imprecise due to difficulties in measuring air gaps and tolerances in field strength, leading to inadequate branching of transport vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that determine and compare the magnetic forces of two secondary parts with a sensor, allowing for adjustment to compensate for deviations, ensuring equal magnetic forces act on long stators, using a measuring table and sensor system with spacer elements to adjust the position of secondary parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct measurement of air gap is attempted with protected secondary parts and stators, then measurement is possible, but measurement precision deteriorates due to protection layers and potted components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach by using the magnetic force itself as the measurement parameter instead of directly measuring the air gap physically. The magnetic force sensor acts as a mediator that translates the air gap distance into a measurable force value, bypassing the protection layers that would otherwise block direct measurement tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical direct measurement system with a magnetic field-based measurement system. Instead of using physical probes or contactless distance sensors that would be blocked by protection layers, the system uses magnetic force sensors to measure the interaction between the secondary part and stator, thereby inferring air gap information without direct physical access.
2Reliability
If magnetic forces are not precisely adjusted, then adjustment process is simpler, but branching operation reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the magnetic force sensor provides real-time measurement of the magnetic interaction between secondary parts and stators. This feedback information is used to adjust the magnetic forces to predetermined values, ensuring reliable branching operation while providing a systematic adjustment process that can be controlled and verified.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent focuses on changing and controlling the magnetic force parameter to a predetermined value for reliable operation. By adjusting the magnetic force (through air gap adjustment or field strength modification) to specific target values, the system achieves reliable branching while making the adjustment process systematic rather than arbitrary.
3Manufacturing precision
If field strength tolerances of different batches are not accounted for, then manufacturing is easier, but magnetic force uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for field strength tolerances by adjusting the air gap parameter to achieve a target magnetic force value. Instead of requiring tight manufacturing tolerances on field strength, the system adjusts the air gap (a more easily controlled parameter) to compensate for variations in magnetic field strength across different batches of secondary parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary adjustment of the air gap or magnetic field parameters during assembly or commissioning to account for batch-to-batch variations in secondary parts. This preliminary action ensures that despite manufacturing tolerances, the final magnetic force achieves the required uniformity for reliable operation.
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
Enables precise adjustment of magnetic forces, ensuring accurate branching and operation of transport vehicles in container handling systems, improving the reliability of the linear motor system.
Implementation Method 1
the first magnetic force of the first secondary part (41) and the second magnetic force of the second secondary part (42) are determined with the sensor
Implementation Method 2
the linear motor systems are configured with long stators and guide rails in order to individually drive the transport vehicles along one or more transport lanes
Data Source
AI summary
Method for adjusting a transport vehicle for a container handling system, where the transport vehicle comprises two oppositely disposed secondary parts which can be driven electromagnetically as an armature by way of a linear motor system of the container handling system, wherein in a device for adjusting, a first magnetic force of the first secondary part is determined with a sensor, in that a second magnetic force of the second secondary part is determined with the sensor; and in that the first magnetic force and the second magnetic force are compared with one another and/or with at least one reference force, and the two secondary parts are adjusted based thereon at the transport vehicle in such a way that the first magnetic force and the second magnetic force are of the same magnitude.