Shuttle Magnet Edge Layout for Reduced Adjacent Shuttle Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Uncontrolled mutual attraction or repulsion between shuttles in linear and planar motors due to magnetic fields of permanent magnets can lead to uncontrolled movement and interference with position detection, necessitating a minimum safe distance that restricts the size of the magnet area.

Innovation Solution

A permanent magnet arrangement with alternating sequences of magnetic strips and end magnet bodies at the edges that alter the magnetic field, reducing attraction or repulsion forces between adjacent shuttles, allowing for closer proximity without interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If permanent magnets are arranged in a magnet area without edge modifications, then the magnet area can be maximized, but uncontrolled mutual attraction or repulsion occurs between adjacent shuttles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnet areaVSAvoidposition control

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet area is segmented into a central region and edge areas, with different magnetic configurations in each region. The central region contains permanent magnets forming magnetic strips, while the edge areas contain end magnet bodies that modify the magnetic field to reduce mutual interference between adjacent shuttles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the magnet area are given different magnetic properties. The central region provides strong magnetic fields for motor operation, while the edge areas provide modified magnetic fields that reduce mutual attraction/repulsion. This local differentiation allows both maximum magnet area utilization and reliable position control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the minimum distance between shuttles is increased to prevent mutual interference, then position control reliability improves, but the utilization of magnet area decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition controlVSAvoidmagnet area utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The end magnet bodies convert the harmful mutual magnetic fields at the edges into beneficial configurations. By strategically positioning and orienting the end magnet bodies, the magnetic fields that would normally cause uncontrolled attraction or repulsion are modified to reduce these forces, allowing shuttles to operate closer together without compromising position control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Device complexity

If conventional permanent magnet arrangements are used, then the structure is simple, but magnetic fields of adjacent shuttles interfere with position detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnet arrangement structureVSAvoidposition detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet arrangement is segmented into central permanent magnets for motor function and separate end magnet bodies for field control. This segmentation allows the end magnet bodies to be specifically designed to minimize magnetic field interference with position detection systems while maintaining the simplicity of the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Reduces mutual attraction or repulsion forces by over 50% to 90%, enabling shuttles to operate at minimal distances without interference, particularly benefiting position detection and optimizing magnet area utilization.

Implementation Method 1

the permanent magnets form an alternating sequence of magnetic strips of different polarities in a central region of the magnet area, wherein at least one end magnet body is arranged at an edge of the magnet area in an edge area provided between the central region and the edge, which end magnet body changes the course of the magnetic field formed by the permanent magnets in the central region along the edge in a manner that varies over the length of the edge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the at least one end magnet body is embodied as a magnetic short-circuiting element that guides the magnetic field, which is formed by the permanent magnets in the central region, along the edge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field guidance: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS12592625B2Permanent magnet arrangement of a shuttle

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

A permanent magnet arrangement of a shuttle for a linear and/or planar motor. The permanent magnet arrangement includes a large number of permanent magnets arranged on at least one magnet area. The permanent magnets form an alternating sequence of magnetic strips of different polarities in a central region of the magnet area. At least one end magnet body is arranged at an edge of the magnet area between the central region and the edge and changes the course of the magnetic field formed by the permanent magnets in the central region, along the edge that varies over the length of the edge. The at least one edge has at least two polarity regions having different polarities, and the mutual attraction force between two identical permanent-magnet arrangements arranged next to one another with parallel edges is reduced by the changed magnetic field.