Sled Device Adjustable Switch Magnetic Stopping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear moving devices for equipment in manufacturing settings are inflexible and have low accuracy and reliability due to fixed sizes and ineffective stopping mechanisms, which hinder their adaptation to different working plants and conditions.

Innovation Solution

A sled device with adjustable detection means and stopping mechanisms, including micro-switches and interlocking racks, allows for precise adjustment and reliable stopping at both end-of-stroke positions, enabling flexible use across various working plants and conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed-size stopping unit with friction-based locking members (rollers or balls) is used, then the device structure is simple, but the stopping accuracy is low and reliability is poor due to wearing components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestopping reliabilityVSAvoidstopping unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical friction-based locking system (rollers or balls) with a magnetic field-based detection and control system. The first switch (sensor) detects the rod position non-contactly, and the control system activates the stopping means (mechanical stop) only when needed, eliminating continuous friction and component wear while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the rod and the detection system. The magnetic field allows non-contact detection of the rod's position through the rod body, enabling accurate position sensing without physical contact or friction, thus improving reliability without adding complex mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-size device is designed for a specific working plant, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the adaptability to different working plants is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different working plantsVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the device adaptable by introducing adjustable positioning means for the first switch. This allows the detection position to be dynamically adjusted along the rod's path, enabling the same device to be configured for different stroke lengths and working conditions without requiring complete redesign or replacement of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal device that can serve multiple working plants and applications by combining adjustable positioning means with the core stopping function. The same basic device structure can be adapted to different requirements by adjusting the switch position, making it multi-functional and versatile across different working conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If rollers or balls are used as locking members applying frictional force on the rod, then the device structure is simple, but the stopping accuracy is low due to component wearing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestopping accuracyVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical friction-based detection and locking system with a magnetic field-based detection system followed by a controlled mechanical stop. The magnetic field enables precise non-contact detection of the rod's position, eliminating the need for continuous friction-based locking members and achieving high stopping accuracy without component wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 device achieves flexible adaptation to different working conditions, ensures precise and reliable stopping of the equipment, and maintains operational efficiency even in case of fluid pressure anomalies.

Implementation Method 1

detection means for detecting reaching of a first end-of-stroke position by a rod, which detection means comprise at least a first switch mounted on a base element and connected with a line for feeding the fluid to the main cylinder, which switch is operable by said rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2952290B1Sled device for linearly moving an equipment
Publication Date: 2017.01.04 VEP AUTOMATION
  • EP2952290B1 patent drawing
  • EP2952290B1 patent drawing
  • EP2952290B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A sled device for moving linearly an equipment comprises a base element (12) that supports a control unit with a main cylinder (14) operated by a pressurized fluid to move a rod (20) of the cylinder (14) between opposite end-of-stroke positions, a movable platform (32) for connecting the equipment, and stopping means (44, 46, 56) for locking the rod (20) with respect to the cylinder (14). The device (10) includes means for detecting reaching of a first end-of-stroke position by the rod (20), which comprise at least a first switch (26, 38) mounted on the base element (12) and connected with a line for feeding the fluid to the cylinder (14), which switch is operable by the rod (20) for stopping the feeding of the fluid and activating the stopping means (44, 46, 56), and is adapted to be fixed on the base element (12) by adjustable positioning means (28, 28a, 29, 29a, 25) to adjust the first end-of-stroke position of the rod (20) and change the operational size of the device (10).