Segmented Linear Motor Curved Path Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyance systems with linear transport paths face limitations in utilizing factory floor space efficiently due to low positioning accuracy at curved sections, which restricts the precise delivery and receipt of workpieces and limits the arrangement of machines and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A conveyance system utilizing a linear motor with armatures spaced along the travel guide, allowing precise movement and halting of the traveling member at curved sections, combined with non-contact power feeding and wireless communication for eliminating cables and wiring, enabling precise positioning and efficient use of curved paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a linear induction motor is used for long distance conveyance, then the conveyance system can achieve long distance transport, but the positioning accuracy at curved sections becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The linear motor is divided into multiple independent motor units along the conveyance path. Each unit can be independently controlled to provide precise positioning at specific locations, particularly at curved sections where high positioning accuracy is required, while maintaining the capability for long distance conveyance through coordinated operation of multiple units.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the conveyance path are equipped with different motor unit configurations. Curved sections have densely arranged motor units for high positioning accuracy, while straight sections have sparser arrangement for energy efficiency. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between long distance conveyance and positioning accuracy at critical locations.
2Measurement precision
If the coil side of the linear synchronous motor is made movable to improve positioning accuracy, then positioning performance increases, but the power feeding system becomes complicated and endless transport path is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the coil side movable (secondary side), the invention makes the armature side (primary side) movable by using multiple independent motor units that can be selectively activated. This inversion allows the stationary side to remain simple with fixed coils, eliminating the need for complex power feeding to moving parts while achieving high positioning accuracy through selective activation of motor units along the path.
3Device complexity
If a rotary servomotor with rack and pinion is used, then the drive mechanism is simple, but positioning accuracy cannot be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical rack and pinion system with a linear motor system that uses electromagnetic force for direct linear motion. This substitution eliminates mechanical transmission errors and backlash inherent in rack and pinion systems, achieving high positioning accuracy while maintaining relative simplicity through the use of standardized motor units.
4Speed
If the primary coil is disposed on the ground side in localized areas, then acceleration and deceleration can be achieved, but the curved section cannot be utilized for precise workpiece transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The primary coil arrangement is segmented into multiple discrete motor units distributed along the entire conveyance path, not just in localized acceleration/deceleration zones. This segmentation allows precise control at any position including curved sections, enabling both speed control and high-precision workpiece transfer by selectively activating appropriate motor units.
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 assured and precise delivery and receipt of workpieces at curved sections, optimizing factory floor space utilization and reducing the complexity of power feeding systems while ensuring proper posture and grasping positions.
Implementation Method 1
a linear motor comprised of armatures, installed on the ground side along a travel guide, and a mover on a secondary side installed on the traveling member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A conveyance system includes a traveling member (3) to transport an article installed for movement along a travel guide (4). A drive source for driving the traveling member (3) to move is a linear motor (5) comprised of an armature (6), disposed along the travel guide (4), and a mover (7) on the secondary side installed on the traveling member (3). The travel guide (4) has a rectilinear section (4A) and a curved section (4B). The armatures (6) of the linear motor (5) are arranged having been spaced a distance from each other and arranged in a plural number along the rectilinear section (4A) and the curved section (4B) of the travel guide (4). The travel guide (4) is of a type capable of accommodating a plurality of traveling members (3) mounted thereon.