AMHS Track Barcode Mounting via Overhead Hoist Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual mounting of track barcodes in Automatic Material Handling Systems (AMHS) is inefficient and resource-intensive, requiring significant manpower and time, especially for climbing and coordinated actions among multiple personnel.
Innovation Solution
An automated track barcode mounting system comprising a running track, overhead hoist transport, locating device, and barcode automatic printing and mounting device, which includes a thermal printer, labeling mechanism, and mounting mechanism, allowing for automated barcode printing and mounting on the track barcodes without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual mounting of track barcodes is performed, then the mounting process can be completed with simple equipment, but the mounting efficiency is low and resource consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead hoist transport performs barcode mounting operations autonomously during its normal travel along the track, without requiring separate manual intervention or specialized mounting equipment. The system uses its own movement and positioning capabilities to complete the barcode mounting task, transforming the hoist transport into a self-sufficient mounting device that eliminates the need for dedicated mounting machinery and manual labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead hoist transport is equipped with multiple functions: it serves both as a material handling device for transporting FOUPs and as a barcode mounting device. By integrating the barcode mounting capability into the existing hoist transport system, the patent achieves multi-functionality, where a single device performs both transportation and barcode mounting tasks, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Loss of time
If manual mounting of track barcodes is performed, then equipment cost is low, but manpower consumption and time wastage are significant
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead hoist transport performs barcode mounting operations autonomously during its normal travel along the track, without requiring separate manual intervention or specialized mounting equipment. The system uses its own movement and positioning capabilities to complete the barcode mounting task, transforming the hoist transport into a self-sufficient mounting device that eliminates the need for dedicated mounting machinery and manual labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The barcode mounting operation is integrated into the continuous movement of the overhead hoist transport along the track. As the hoist transport moves from one position to another, it continuously performs barcode mounting at designated locations without interrupting its travel or requiring separate mounting operations. This continuous action eliminates idle time and accelerates the overall mounting process.
3Productivity
If automated barcode mounting is implemented, then mounting efficiency is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead hoist transport performs barcode mounting operations autonomously during its normal travel along the track, without requiring separate manual intervention or specialized mounting equipment. The system uses its own movement and positioning capabilities to complete the barcode mounting task, transforming the hoist transport into a self-sufficient mounting device that eliminates the need for dedicated mounting machinery and manual labor.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead hoist transport is equipped with multiple functions: it serves both as a material handling device for transporting FOUPs and as a barcode mounting device. By integrating the barcode mounting capability into the existing hoist transport system, the patent achieves multi-functionality, where a single device performs both transportation and barcode mounting tasks, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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 significantly enhances the efficiency of track barcode mounting by automating the process, reducing manpower and material consumption, and minimizing time wastage, while ensuring precise and reliable barcode placement.
Implementation Method 1
control the thermal printer to print a barcode printing paper with a corresponding barcode number printed thereon
Implementation Method 2
on the barcode base plate is provided an adhesive surface for sticking the barcode printing paper
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to track barcode automatic mounting system and method of an automatic material handling system (AMHS), which system comprises: a running track, at whose position corresponding to an unloading port is provided a barcode mounting region; an overhead hoist transport, installed on the running track, and being moveable along the running track; a locating device, for determining whether the overhead hoist transport has moved to a designated barcode mounting region; a barcode automatic printing and mounting device, disposed on the overhead hoist transport; and a manually operated controller, for sending a movement instruction to the overhead hoist transport to control the overhead hoist transport to move to the designated barcode mounting region, and sending a print confirmation instruction to the barcode automatic printing and mounting device after the overhead hoist transport has moved to the designated barcode mounting region.