Ceiling Rail Transfer Apparatus with Adjustable Drop Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container transferring devices in semiconductor manufacturing lines are limited in their ability to handle articles of different sizes efficiently, as they require manual adjustment of drop prevention mechanisms, which can lead to errors and inefficiencies during transfer processes.

Innovation Solution

An article transferring apparatus with a vehicle moving along a ceiling rail, equipped with a hoist module, a hand unit for gripping articles, and a drop preventing member with adjustable support pins of varying heights, along with detection units to determine article types and control the descending motion of the hand unit based on article size, ensuring safe and precise transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of drop prevention mechanisms is used to handle articles of different sizes, then the device can accommodate various container sizes, but the operation complexity increases and errors may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different article sizesVSAvoidmanual adjustment requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects article dimensions using sensors and adjusts the drop prevention mechanism position without manual intervention. The control unit processes sensor signals and autonomously controls the actuator to position the drop prevention member at the appropriate height corresponding to the detected article size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the position parameter of the drop prevention member based on detected article dimensions. By varying the height position of the drop prevention member according to different article sizes, the system adapts to different container types while maintaining automated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of drop prevention mechanisms is used, then different container sizes can be accommodated, but transfer efficiency decreases due to additional adjustment time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer size flexibilityVSAvoidtransfer speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of article dimensions before the transfer operation begins. By detecting the article size in advance and pre-positioning the drop prevention mechanism, the system eliminates adjustment delays during the actual transfer process, maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated detection and adjustment system eliminates the need for manual intervention, allowing the system to self-adjust between different container sizes without operator involvement. This continuous automated operation maintains high transfer efficiency while handling various article types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If fixed height support pins are used, then the structure is simple, but the device can only handle one type of container size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidcontainer size range

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from fixed support pins to dynamically adjustable support pins that can change their height position. The actuator-driven mechanism allows the support pins to move vertically and be positioned at different heights corresponding to different container sizes, providing adaptability while maintaining relatively simple structural implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable support pin mechanism serves multiple functions: it can support various container sizes by changing position, and it maintains structural simplicity through a single actuator-driven system. This universal support mechanism replaces the need for multiple fixed-height pin sets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables the efficient transfer of articles of varying sizes by automatically adjusting the transfer mechanism based on detected article dimensions, reducing the risk of dropping and enhancing operational efficiency in semiconductor manufacturing processes.

Implementation Method 1

a hoist module provided in the main body, and for hoisting a belt by winding or unwinding the belt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage through belt winding: Pulley

Data Source

PatentUS20240199348A1Apparatus and method of transferring article

Publication Date: 2024.06.20 SYSTEM ENGINEERING MEGA SOLUTION CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is an apparatus for transferring an article, the apparatus including: a vehicle moving along a moving rail installed on a ceiling; a main body connected to the vehicle and providing an interior space in which an article is located; a hoist module provided in the main body, and for hoisting a belt by winding or unwinding the belt; a hand unit fixed at one end of the belt and for gripping the article; and a drop preventing member provided in the main body, and for preventing the article from dropping during moving of the vehicle, in which the drop preventing member includes support pins provided at different heights depending on types of article.