3D Sliding System With Independent X-Z Linear Motors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional sliding systems with onboard linear motors used in pick-and-place machines face challenges in maintaining high working efficiency and productivity while minimizing weight and bulkiness, as increasing propelling power leads to increased weight and size due to the interconnected X-table and Z-table.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional X-Z sliding system with a stationary bed and independently actuated X-table and Z-table, using linear motion guide units and identical armature assemblies with alternating magnet strips, allows for compact and lightweight construction, enabling high accuracy and reduced takt time by decoupling the movement of the X-table and Z-table.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the propelling power of the onboard linear motors is increased to raise working efficiency, then the takt time is reduced, but the sliding system becomes more massive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the interconnected X-Z table into separate independent tables: the X-table for horizontal movement and the Z-table for vertical movement. Each table has its own linear motor (X-linear motor and Z-linear motor respectively), allowing independent actuation. This segmentation enables each motor to be optimized for its specific direction without needing to support the combined weight and inertia of both axes, thus reducing the overall system mass while maintaining high propelling power in each direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the Z-table from the X-table structure, making them independent components rather than a combined interconnected table. The Z-table is separated with its own support structure and linear motor, removing the dependency where the X-linear motor had to support both the X-table and Z-table. This extraction allows each axis to have dedicated propelling power without the penalty of supporting unnecessary mass.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the Z-table is connected to the X-table to enable movement in both directions, then the system can perform three-dimensional positioning, but the X-table becomes increasingly weighty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the three-dimensional positioning system into two independent two-dimensional systems: the X-table handles horizontal positioning while the Z-table handles vertical positioning. Each table is actuated by its own dedicated linear motor, eliminating the need for the X-table to support the Z-table's weight. This segmentation maintains full three-dimensional movement capability while significantly reducing the X-table's weight by removing the interconnected Z-table structure.
3Force
If the X-table and Z-table are made massive to increase propelling force, then the thrust is increased, but the system becomes bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the force generation into two independent sources: the X-linear motor generates propelling force for the X-table in the horizontal direction, while the Z-linear motor generates propelling force for the Z-table in the vertical direction. Each motor is sized appropriately for its specific axis requirements rather than being oversized to handle combined loads. This segmentation allows high propelling force in each direction without requiring massive table structures, thus maintaining compact system volume.
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 achieves significant reduction in takt time and cycle time with increased propelling power, maintaining high precision and accuracy while keeping the construction compact and simple, with the movable table weighing less and requiring less driving force.
Implementation Method 1
an X-linear motor and a Z-linear motor; wherein the bed has an angled configuration composed of a first flat zone extending in the X-direction, a second flat zone extending in the Z-direction and a third flat zone where the first flat zone merges with the second flat zone, the bed being provided thereon with an X-table of rectangular configuration for traveling in the X-direction over the first flat zone and a Z-table of rectangular configuration for traveling in the Z-direction over the second and third flat zones
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional sliding system has an X-table and a Z-table, which are actuated to travel independently of each other. The sliding system is simple in construction and adapted to actuate a movable table with less takt time. A bed has a first flat zone extending in a horizontal direction to carry the X-table thereon, a second flat zone extending in a vertical direction to carry the Z-table thereon, and a third flat zone where the first flat zone merges with the second flat zone. The movable table is laid over the third flat zone and linked with the X-table and the Z-table through linear motion guide units, respectively. Actuations of an X-linear motor in an X-direction and actuation of a Z-linear motor in a Z-direction cause the movable table to move into a targeted position with high precision in the X-direction and in the Z-direction.