Independent Track Movers Using Sequential Rotary Drive Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current track systems for driving vehicles, such as those using linear synchronous motors, are limited in speed and thrust force, making them less effective for high-speed applications, as the magnetic thrust force decreases significantly with increasing velocity.
Innovation Solution
A controlled motion system comprising a track with movers equipped with driven members that engage with rotary motors-driven drive elements, allowing for independent and synchronized motion control along the track, enabling higher speeds and forces by sequential engagement of drive elements like pinion gears and timing belts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If linear synchronous motor based track systems are used to drive vehicles, then independent movement control of vehicles is achieved, but the maximum velocity is limited to 2.5-5 meters/second and magnetic thrust force drops off considerably as velocity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The track system is divided into multiple independent drive zones, each with its own linear synchronous motor. Vehicles can be accelerated in one zone while being propelled or decelerated in another zone, allowing independent control of velocity and force in different sections of the track.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of different drive zones along the track. By activating or deactivating specific motor zones based on vehicle position and required performance, the system can maintain high velocity while providing necessary thrust force when needed.
2Productivity
If linear synchronous motor based track systems are used, then vehicles can be propelled using electromagnetic force, but the system performance is less than desirable for high speed converting applications
Solution Approach 1:
The track is segmented into multiple drive zones with independent linear synchronous motors, allowing different sections to operate at different power levels and velocities simultaneously, thereby achieving high overall productivity while maintaining necessary power where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (velocity, power output, motor activation) dynamically across different track zones and time periods to optimize performance for high-speed converting applications while maintaining control over power consumption and system capabilities.
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 independent control of movers at higher speeds and forces, improving performance in high-speed applications by maintaining consistent thrust force across varying velocities, thus overcoming the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
the drive elements are each driven by a rotary motor
Implementation Method 2
drive elements each comprising a surface that is oriented to contact the driven member
Implementation Method 3
drive elements are configured to sequentially engage the driven member of a plurality of the movers to provide controlled motion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A system and an apparatus capable of independently driving movers are described herein. The system and apparatus includes: a track that forms a path for movers; a plurality of movers movably mounted on the track for moving along the path; and a plurality of drive elements fixedly arranged along the track. The drive elements each have a surface that is oriented to contact a driven member of the movers. The drive elements are configured to sequentially engage the driven member of a plurality of the movers to provide controlled independent motion of the movers along the track. The drive elements may be driven by rotary motors. A method of independently driving movers is also described herein.