Second vector® award
...for inspiring energy supply solutions...
...E-ChainSystems® with cables...
...induction and wireless...

Worldwide joint initiative

Modern polymer energy supply chains are the umbilical cord of mechanical engineering and automation systems. They ensure the safe supply of energy, data, signals and media and are in constant motion. They can be used universally: from cranes, machine tools and robots, to movie sets in Hollywood. Recent developments in non-contact energy supply systems using induction and wireless data transmission technology signal the evolution of these systems.

The search is on for challenging applications The vector® award would like to honour challenging energy supply applications. These can use either energy supply chains and cables or induction and wireless system technology.

Winners 2010

Gold vector® 2010:
World's longest travel

Conveyor unit of coal excavator

The winner of this year’s golden vector® is also the longest travel ever to be realised with plastic Energy Chains® in the world. The travel is 615 metres, and was designed in a power station belonging to the utility company CEZ Group in the Czech Republic.

Conveyor unit of coal excavator

Silver vector® 2010:
No more downtimes

Bucket wheel reclaimer

With this bucket wheel reclaimer, the setup can be moved in a circular movement by +/- 180°. This movement must also be able to be carried out by the Energy Chain®. The use of plastic Energy Chains® has resulted in a significant improvement in service life and fail-safeness.

Bucket wheel reclaimer

Bronze vector® 2010:
More precise and flexible

Travelling column milling machine

In order to reduce the design space required and keep energy supply costs as low as possible, the Y- and Z-axes of this travelling column machine were to be realized using an energy chain. The travel is 0.7 metres on each axis, maximum travel speed 1.3 metres per second.

Travelling column milling machine

Participants applications 2010

Participants applications 2008

Prizes

The golden vector® statue, certificate and prize money of 5,000 Euro

The silver vector® statue, certificate and prize money of 2,500 Euro

The bronze vector® statue, certificate and prize money of 1,000 Euro

The next vector® award will likely take place in 2012.

Extending the limits of what is feasible

The vector® award will reward applications which have implemented energy chain systems in a challenging and unique way. Users of induction and wireless technology systems are also are invited to share their innovative applications.

Joint initiative

The vector® award is a joint, worldwide initiative between igus® GmbH and MM Maschinen Markt. The jury also includes engineers and scientists representing the German Central Association of Electrical Engineering and the Electronics Industry and the RWTH Aachen University. The vector® award is under the patronage of the Hanover Fair.

Partners

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