Torque Motor Workpiece Carrier for Precision Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece circulating systems in production machines face challenges in achieving precise centering and rotation of workpieces, particularly in labeling machines, due to complex and prone-to-failure configurations, and the inability to precisely position workpieces with smooth cylinder rotor designs.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rotor section featuring radially projecting peripheral shoulders and integrated permanent magnets, interacting with a stator's traveling magnetic field to enable high-precision rotation, combined with a magnetic fixation system for secure yet adjustable holding, and a position measuring device for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary table with multiple turntables and motor drive units is used to rotate workpieces, then workpiece rotation capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical motor drive units with a magnetic field-based torque motor system. The torque motor uses electromagnetic interaction between a rotor section with permanent magnets and a stator with windings to generate rotational motion, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical couplings and drive mechanisms while achieving reliable workpiece rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the workpiece holder and the torque motor into an integrated unit. The workpiece holder serves dual functions as both a holding device and a component of the drive system, with the rotor section being part of the holder structure itself. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture.
2Ease of manufacture
If a smooth cylindrical rotor section is used in the torque motor, then manufacturing is simplified, but manufacturing precision of workpiece positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding radial protrusions only at specific locations on the rotor section where precise positioning is needed, while maintaining the smooth cylindrical form in other areas. These localized radial protrusions engage with corresponding features in the stator to provide precise centering and positioning, without requiring the entire rotor surface to be complex.
3Power
If permanent magnets are integrated into the rotor section, then torque motor functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor section serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the magnetic field interaction surface for torque generation, acts as a structural component of the workpiece holder, and incorporates radial protrusions for positioning. By making the rotor section multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the integration of permanent magnets.
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 configuration allows for precise and flexible rotation of workpieces, enabling precise centering and positioning, while being compact, wear-free, and space-efficient, with adjustable holding force for easy assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
The rotor section, when mounted in the fixture, interacts with a stator provided on the fixture to form a torque motor
Implementation Method 2
generating a traveling field, the rotor inevitably follows this traveling field due to the magnetic interaction of the traveling stator field with the field(s) of the permanent magnet(s)
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic field generating device (28) which, in the assembly position, generates a magnetic field for temporarily holding the workpiece carrier (1) in the holder (18)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A device for receiving a workpiece for a workpiece carrier circulation system of a production machine is provided, including a workpiece carrier with a workpiece receiver and a holder to be arranged on the machine for receiving the workpiece carrier in a detachable, temporary manner. The workpiece carrier includes a rotor section (5) which, when the workpiece carrier is received in the holder, interacts with a stator (20) provided on the holder, forming a torque motor and thus being rotatable about an axis in the holder.