Transfer Carrier Identification by Position-Based Numbering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transfer systems require separate preparation of transferring bodies with distinct structures for identification and the installation of detection units, leading to a complex configuration and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A transfer system that assigns identification information to each transferring body based on a reference point, using a controller to designate first and second identification information in sequence, eliminating the need for separate structures and detection units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate structures (protrusions or magnets) are added to specific transferring bodies for identification, then carrier identification capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from physical structural modifications and relocates it to the control system's software layer. Instead of adding protrusions or magnets to carriers, the system uses a detection unit to detect carrier positions and a controller to assign identification numbers based on detected positions, thereby eliminating the need for special identification structures on carriers while maintaining reliable identification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical identification structures (protrusions, magnets) with an electronic detection and control system. The detection unit detects carrier positions and the controller assigns identification numbers through electronic processing, substituting mechanical identification methods with electronic ones to reduce physical complexity.
2Reliability
If detection units are installed to detect carrier structures, then carrier identification is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit serves multiple functions: it detects carrier positions for identification purposes, monitors carrier movement along the transfer path, and provides data for control decisions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining identification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing detection unit and control system to perform identification functions without requiring additional specialized components. The controller itself assigns identification numbers based on detection data, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for extra identification hardware.
3Measurement precision
If multiple types of transferring bodies are prepared with distinct structures, then identification accuracy is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes all transferring bodies homogeneous in structure, eliminating the need for different types of carriers with distinct features. All carriers have the same basic design, and identification is achieved through positional detection and software-based numbering rather than physical differentiation, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining accurate identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the identification approach from physical parameter differences (protrusions, magnets) to positional parameter differences. Identification accuracy is maintained by detecting the position of homogeneous carriers and assigning identification numbers based on their detected positions, rather than requiring physical differentiation among carriers.
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer system includes a plurality of transferring bodies, a transfer path on which the transferring bodies moves, and a controller that assigns identification information to each of the transferring bodies to manage the transferring bodies and controls each of the transferring bodies. On the transfer path, a reference point is set as a reference of position in a forward direction. The controller assigns, to a first transferring body that is one of the transferring bodies and is closest to the reference point in the forward direction, and assigns, to each of second transferring bodies that are the transferring bodies other than the first transferring body, second identification information as the identification information in sequence from the first identification information in an order of arrangement of the second transferring bodies in the forward direction or a backward direction.