Adaptive Transport Chucking for Varying Container Shapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport devices for semiconductor substrates are limited in transporting containers of varying shapes and sizes, requiring complex device configurations and additional popping prevention mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A transport device with a container holding unit that includes a holding unit and a container detecting unit, allowing the device to adapt to different container shapes and sizes without changing its configuration, and incorporating the holding unit's ability to prevent contents from popping out by covering storage ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the work holding unit uses a fixed channel-shaped configuration to hold transport containers, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot transport containers of varying shapes or sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The holding unit employs movable holding parts that can adjust their positions dynamically based on the detected container dimensions. The holding parts move along the channel in response to container size variations, enabling the same device structure to accommodate different container types without configuration changes.
Solution Approach 2:
A container detecting unit measures the dimensions of each transport container and provides feedback signals to control the position of the holding parts. This closed-loop control system automatically adjusts the holding configuration to match the detected container size, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If additional popping preventing members are added to prevent works from popping out, then the prevention capability is improved, but the device configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The popping prevention function is merged with the existing holding unit structure. The holding parts not only secure the container but also extend to cover the storage port, simultaneously performing both container holding and work popping prevention functions without requiring separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it holds the transport container, adjusts to different container sizes, and prevents works from popping out by covering the storage port. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A transport device that allows transport containers varying in shape or size to be transported without changing a device configuration, and can prevent works in a transport container from popping out of the transport container with a simple device configuration. An overhead carriage includes a chucking device that holds a magazine accommodating works. The overhead carriage transports the magazine held by the chucking device. The chucking device includes a holding unit that holds the magazine and a sensor that detects the magazine held by the holding unit. The holding unit is controlled based on the detection of the sensor to hold the magazine so that the holding unit prevents works stored in the magazine from popping out.