A Cable-Free Ironless Linear Motor with Power Provisioning Capability to the Payload

Cables typically connect to the movers of linear motors for power and communication, which can lead to additional drag, friction, vibration, maintenance, and limited working distances. By integrating wireless power transfer and linear motors, the latter can eliminate the need for cables or energy chains, thereby enhancing performance, allowing unlimited working distance, and reducing mover mass. The mutual inductance of transmitting and receiving windings plays a vital role in wireless power transfer systems. To maintain stable motion and electrical operation, the mutual inductance should not fluctuate excessively along the rail. Mathematical derivations for numerical evaluations have been derived to calculate the self and mutual inductances of rail transmitter and mover receiver rectangular windings and to model power performances. A prototype motor has been constructed to confirm the feasibility of this combination.