Virtual Motion Path for Linear Electric Drive Conveyor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Controlling multiple motion devices in linear electric drive conveyors that transport a single load is technically complex and difficult to maintain, especially when changes in transported goods are required.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a virtual motion path for groups of electromagnetically movable motion devices, where each group's motion devices follow a synchronized path based on a virtual model, allowing easy adaptation to different goods by adjusting distances and relative movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate motion paths are created for each individual motion device, then precise control of each device is achieved, but control system complexity and maintenance difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple motion devices by creating a single virtual motion path that represents the collective movement of a group of motion devices transporting a common load. This virtual motion path consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate control paths, reducing control system complexity while maintaining precise coordination of individual devices through their dependency on the shared virtual path.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual motion path acts as an intermediary between the control system and individual motion devices. Instead of directly managing each device's motion path separately, the system uses the virtual motion path as a mediator that indirectly controls all devices in the group, simplifying the control architecture while preserving precise motion control through the virtual path's position specifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control system is adapted to transport different types of goods, then versatility is improved, but control system complexity and testing effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic adaptability by allowing the virtual motion path to be adjusted based on the characteristics of different goods being transported. Rather than creating entirely new control systems for each goods type, the virtual motion path parameters can be dynamically modified to accommodate varying load requirements, maintaining versatility while avoiding proportional increases in control system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual motion path serves as a universal control mechanism that can handle multiple types of goods through a single unified approach. This single virtual path structure performs multiple functions by adapting to different goods characteristics, eliminating the need for separate specialized control paths for each goods type and thereby reducing overall control system complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Productivity
If multiple motion devices jointly transport a single load, then transport capacity is improved, but control difficulty and maintenance effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the control approach by grouping motion devices into distinct groups, where each group shares a common virtual motion path. This segmentation allows multiple devices to work together on single loads while maintaining simplified control through group-level virtual paths, rather than requiring individual control for each device, thus reducing control difficulty while preserving transport capacity.
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
Simplifies control and maintenance of linear electric drive conveyors by enabling quick adjustments to changes in transported goods without requiring separate path creation for each device, reducing testing effort and enhancing adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
several electromagnetically and independently movable motion devices
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates inter alia to a method for operating a linear electric drive conveyor (46). The method comprises creating a virtual movement path (60, 62) for each model object (56, 58) in a virtual model (54) that represents the linear electric drive conveyor (46). The method further comprises controlling the linear electric drive conveyor (46) in order to move a first moving device (48A, 50A) and a second moving device (48B, 50B), per group (48, 50), along a static part of the linear electric drive conveyor (46) according to the virtual movement path (60, 62) of the respective model object (56, 58) that represents the respective group (48, 50).