Brick Transport Alignment Guide for Precise Silicon Brick Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual insertion of silicon bricks into brick cutting apparatuses for solar battery wafer manufacturing is challenging due to the need for precise alignment and limited positional adjustments, which is difficult to achieve with traditional methods.
Innovation Solution
A brick loading/unloading apparatus with a transport module, lift arm, and alignment guide system that allows for precise alignment and seating on an alignment guide with 6-degree of freedom, using wires or chains and a ball caster for low-friction movement, enabling efficient and reliable insertion into the brick cutting apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual insertion method is used, then operator can push brick into groove, but precise alignment and fine warpage adjustment cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
An alignment guide rest portion with alignment guide is introduced as an intermediary device between the brick transport member and the brick cutting apparatus. This alignment guide rest portion includes a plate body with through holes and an alignment guide that fits into corresponding grooves, serving as a mediator to achieve precise alignment without requiring manual adjustment skills.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment method is replaced with a guide-based mechanical system. Instead of relying on operator skill to manually align the brick, the invention uses a structured alignment guide rest portion that mechanically guides the brick into precise position through fitted grooves and alignment features.
2Manufacturing precision
If general brick transport member is used, then brick can be transported, but restricted position adjustment limits precise insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into multiple independent adjustment components: the brick transport member provides coarse positioning, while the alignment guide rest portion with its plate body, through holes, and alignment guide provides fine adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in different aspects of positioning, achieving both precision and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static rigid positioning to dynamic adjustable positioning. The alignment guide rest portion can be adjusted vertically along the brick transport member, and the alignment guide can move within its groove, providing dynamic adjustment capabilities that adapt to different brick positions and orientations.
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 apparatus ensures precise and reliable alignment and insertion of silicon bricks into the brick cutting apparatus, improving the efficiency and accuracy of the process, reducing manual error and the need for additional alignment equipment.
Implementation Method 1
A ball caster may be arranged on a lower surface of the alignment guide rest portion, and the ball caster may be arranged on a region corresponding to the alignment groove. When the transport module is descended, the ball caster may be moved to a center of the alignment groove along the inclined surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A brick loading/unloading apparatus (100) includes: a main body (110); a transport module (130) transporting a brick (B) to a brick cutting apparatus (200) in which a brick insertion space S is formed; a lift arm (120) coupled to an upper end portion of the main body (110) to move up/down the transport module (130); and a plurality of wires (140) connecting the transport module (130) to the lift arm (120), wherein the transport module (130) includes an alignment guide rest portion (131) connected to the wires (140), the brick cutting apparatus (200) includes an alignment guide (210) that corresponds to the alignment guide rest portion (131) in an up-and-down direction and is arranged on an outer side thereof, and when the lift arm (120) descends the transport module (130) by extending the wires (140), the transport module (130) is aligned and seated on the alignment guide (210).