Sliding Transformer Wireless Power for Independent Moving Carts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion control systems face challenges in efficiently providing power to independent movers on a track, as traditional methods require dedicated power supply locations or fixed connections, which restrict throughput and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless power transfer system using a sliding transformer, where a primary winding on the track and a secondary winding on the mover facilitate electromagnetic induction, allowing for efficient and flexible power transmission without the need for fixed connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a dedicated power supply location is provided along the track, then power can be supplied to the mover, but the mover must stop and the system throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based power transfer system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless power transfer system. A primary winding on the track and a secondary winding on the mover create an electromagnetic coupling that transfers power without physical contact, eliminating the need for the mover to stop at dedicated power supply locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the power source on the track and the mover. The primary winding generates an electromagnetic field that couples with the secondary winding on the mover, serving as a mediator to transfer power wirelessly through the air gap between them.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a fixed connection is provided to the mover, then power can be continuously supplied, but the motion of the mover is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed mechanical connections (conductors or hoses) with a wireless electromagnetic power transfer system. The primary winding on the track and secondary winding on the mover create a contactless power connection that allows the mover to move freely along the track without restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic power transfer system where the electromagnetic coupling between the primary and secondary windings maintains power transfer effectiveness across varying distances and relative positions. The system adapts to the mover's motion rather than constraining it.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electrical conductors or hoses are used for fixed connection, then power can be supplied to the mover, but the conductors or hoses may tangle and the number of movers must be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for physical conductors or hoses by using wireless electromagnetic power transfer. This substitution removes the complexity of conductor routing, tension management, and tangle prevention that would arise from using flexible cables to power multiple moving movers.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless power transfer system provides a universal power supply solution that can serve multiple movers simultaneously without the limitations of fixed connections. Each mover with a secondary winding can independently receive power from the track-based primary winding 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
This solution enables continuous motion of movers without interruptions for power supply, enhances system throughput, and allows for greater flexibility in the placement and operation of actuators and sensors on the movers.
Implementation Method 1
a primary winding on the track and a secondary winding on the mover facilitate electromagnetic induction, allowing for efficient and flexible power transmission
Implementation Method 2
Each of the movers may be independently moved and positioned along the track in response to an electromagnetic field generated by the linear drive system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system and method for wirelessly providing power to independent movers traveling along a track includes a sliding transformer to transfer power between the track and each mover. The sliding transformer includes a primary winding extending along the track and a secondary winding mounted to each mover. Each of the primary and secondary windings may be formed of a single coil or multiple coils. The primary and secondary windings are generally aligned with each other and extend along the track and along the mover in the direction of travel with an air gap present between the windings. A power converter on the mover may regulate the power supplied to the mover to control an actuator or a sensor mounted on the mover or to activate drive coils mounted on the mover to interact with magnets mounted along the track and, thereby, control motion of each mover.