Cassette Storage Case for Vertical Stacking and Alignment Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor production facilities face low spatial utility when cassettes are stored in flat spaces, and existing stokers with metal beam structures have limited efficiency in storing cassettes of varying sizes and orientations.
Innovation Solution
A cassette storage case with a body featuring a lower part and a shield part, including load protruding portions, support members, and detection apertures for alignment and condition detection, along with a management system for efficient stacking and identification of cassettes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cassettes are stored in flat spaces, then storage simplicity is maintained, but spatial utility is very low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat storage to three-dimensional vertical stacking by introducing load protruding portions and corresponding load receiving portions. This allows multiple cassette storage cases to be stacked vertically,充分利用 vertical space and dramatically improving spatial utility while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If stokers with metal beam structures are used, then cassette storage capability is provided, but adaptability to varying sizes and orientations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette storage case is divided into modular components: a body portion, load protruding portions, and load receiving portions. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different cassette sizes and orientations by selectively engaging different portions, while keeping each component structurally simple and easy to manufacture.
3Area of stationary object
If vertical stacking is implemented, then space utilization is enhanced, but alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load protruding portions and load receiving portions are designed with asymmetric shapes that provide inherent alignment guidance. The protruding portions have specific geometries that fit into corresponding receiving portions, ensuring correct orientation and position during stacking. This asymmetric design simplifies the alignment process and reduces precision requirements compared to symmetric interfaces.
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
Enhances space utilization by allowing vertical stacking and efficient management of cassettes, ensuring proper alignment and identification, and improving spatial efficiency in semiconductor facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a condition detection reflection member is on an inner surface of an opposite side of the body facing the condition detection aperture, wherein the condition detection reflection member is configured to reflect an incident laser beam of light toward the condition detection aperture
Implementation Method 2
a cassette detection reflection member is on an inner surface of an opposite side of the body facing the cassette detection aperture, wherein the cassette detection reflection member is configured to reflect an incident laser beam of light toward the cassette detection aperture
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a cassette storage case includes a body defining an internal storage space for a cassette. The body includes a lower body part, and a shield body part extending upward from an upper surface outer region of the lower body part. The shield body part has an opening in an upper portion thereof. A load protruding portion extends outward from an outer bottom surface of the lower body part, and has a shape that corresponds to a shape of the opening.