Multi-Carrier Transport System Defect Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

User-designed guide systems in transport systems often fail to meet high quality standards, leading to performance, accuracy, and reliability issues due to issues like dirty and loose guide rollers, incorrect magnet positioning, loose screws, and inaccurate guideway spacing, which impair the overall functionality of the transport system.

Innovation Solution

A multi-carrier transport system equipped with a position detection system that includes 3D sensors to detect the position and deviation of transport elements along the guideway, allowing for the identification of defects in the guidance system, such as misalignment or height offsets, and an evaluation unit to assess these parameters against predetermined tolerances, enabling targeted repairs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users build and use their own guidance system to achieve flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to meet high quality standards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in guidance system designVSAvoidquality of guide rollers and guideway spacing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables users to self-diagnose and self-correct guidance system defects through the position detection system and evaluation unit, which automatically identify issues like dirty guide rollers, incorrect magnet positioning, and inaccurate guideway spacing, allowing users to maintain high precision without requiring manufacturer-level expertise

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The position detection system continuously monitors transport element position and deviation, providing real-time feedback to the evaluation unit which compares measurements against tolerances and identifies defects, enabling continuous correction and maintenance of manufacturing precision throughout operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If custom guide systems are used to reduce costs, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to defects in guide rollers and positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of custom-built guidance systemVSAvoidperformance consistency of transport system
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The evaluation unit provides continuous feedback by comparing detected position and deviation values against predetermined tolerances, automatically identifying when guide rollers become dirty, when magnets shift position, or when guideway spacing becomes inaccurate, thereby maintaining reliability despite the simpler custom-built system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical quality control mechanisms with an electronic position detection and evaluation system that uses sensors and computational logic to monitor and identify guidance system defects, achieving high reliability through electronic rather than mechanical means

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

3Duration of action of moving object

If guidance system defects are not detected, then operational time is extended, but measurement precision deteriorates as position accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation time of transport systemVSAvoidposition and deviation detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The position detection system operates continuously throughout transport system operation, constantly monitoring position and deviation without interruption, ensuring that measurement precision is maintained throughout the entire operational duration and that defects are detected immediately when they occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous feedback on position accuracy through the evaluation unit, which constantly compares detected values against tolerances and identifies when guidance system defects begin to degrade measurement precision, enabling timely correction before accuracy is significantly compromised

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 system enhances the performance and reliability of the transport system by accurately detecting and addressing defects in the guidance system, allowing users to maintain their own systems and ensuring flexibility in design, thereby improving operational precision and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

A position detection system is provided for detecting the position of the transport element along the guide track and any deviation of the transport element from the guide track

Methodology Applied
Scientific Effect3D sensing:

Implementation Method 2

several linear motors arranged in series and having a guide track, and at least one transport element that can be moved along the guide track by means of the linear motors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear motor: Linear Motor

Data Source

PatentEP4144675A1Transport system and method for detecting defects of a guide system of such a transport system
Publication Date: 2023.03.08 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP4144675A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4144675A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4144675A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A transport system, in particular a multi-carrier system, comprises several linear motors arranged in series and having a guide track, and at least one transport element that can be moved along the guide track by means of the linear motors. Furthermore, the transport system comprises a position detection system for detecting the position of the transport element along the guide track and any deviation of the transport element from the guide track.