US 10,587,212 B1 · Linear motor track system with automatic gravity detection

Abstract

A mover is configured to be electromagnetically propelled along a track in a linear motor track system with a force that is calculated to include compensation for gravity. A multi-axis accelerometer arranged in each segment of the track can detect an orientation or angle of the track segment for determining gravity with respect to the particular section. As a result, if the track is at an incline, such as a ramp, a desired force for moving a mover along the track can be compensated to include gravity due to the incline for achieving a desired motion result. In addition, the detected orientation of the track can be compared to an expected orientation stored by a control program to avoid a loss of performance due to physical changes in the track not matching an expected/programmed configuration of the track.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A linear motor drive system, comprising:

a track segment defining a path along which a mover travels, the track segment receiving power from a power supply for electromagnetically propelling a mover, the track segment including:
a plurality of drive coils spaced along the track segment;
and
a sensor configured to detect an acceleration with respect to the track segment;
and
a controller in communication with the track segment, the controller executing a program stored in a non-transient medium to control power to the drive coils for electromagnetically propelling a mover with a total force to move the mover along the track segment, wherein the total force comprises:
a desired force for moving the mover along a track segment when arranged in a reference orientation;
and
a compensated force comprising the acceleration for compensating for an orientation of the track segment differing from the reference orientation.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Linear motor track system with automatic gravity detection

Life of this patent

Linear motor track system with automatic gravity detection

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20