Elevating Track Crane Maintenance in Semiconductor Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems face challenges in reliably and easily carrying cranes to and from overhead tracks in semiconductor manufacturing plants, particularly when maintenance is required, as they often interfere with overhead transport vehicles and worker passages.
Innovation Solution
A storage system with an elevating track that supports and lowers cranes deviated from the overhead transport vehicle track, allowing for easy crane movement while avoiding interference with the transport system, and a retractable placement portion that bridges between other placement points to facilitate article delivery and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the crane is carried in and out to and from the overhead track, then maintenance can be performed, but the overhead transport vehicle system is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
An elevating track is introduced as an intermediary structure that enables the crane to be lowered to the ground for maintenance while preventing direct interference with the overhead transport vehicle system. The elevating track acts as a mediator between the overhead crane track and the ground level, allowing safe removal and installation of the crane without disrupting normal transport operations.
2Ease of operation
If the elevating track is provided directly above the worker passage, then crane carrying in and out is facilitated, but the space below the overhead stocker is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The elevating track utilizes the vertical dimension by being positioned directly above the worker passage, effectively using the overhead space that would otherwise be unused. This vertical placement allows the crane to be lowered vertically through the worker passage area without occupying horizontal space that would interfere with worker movement or reduce the functional area of the worker passage.
3Ease of repair
If the placement portion is retractable from directly below the elevating track, then crane removal is enabled, but the article delivery and reception function is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The placement portion is designed to be retractable, transitioning from a static structure to a dynamic one that can move between two states: extended for normal article delivery and reception operations, and retracted for crane removal and installation. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, enabling both efficient article handling and easy crane maintenance.
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 reliable and efficient carrying in and out of cranes without interfering with the overhead transport vehicle system, enhancing maintenance accessibility and storage efficiency by utilizing an elevating track and retractable placement portions.
Implementation Method 1
A suspending member that suspends and holds the elevating track
Implementation Method 2
an elevating track driver that raises and lowers the elevating track by winding or feeding out the suspending member
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system includes an overhead stocker having a first overhead track, a rack including a plurality of storages arranged vertically, and a crane that travels along the first overhead track and delivers and receives an article to and from the storages; and an overhead transport vehicle system having a second overhead track provided below a lower end of the overhead stocker, and an overhead transport vehicle that travels along the second overhead track and delivers and receives an article to and from a predetermined transfer destination, wherein the first overhead track has an elevating track capable of supporting and lowering the crane that is stopped traveling at a portion deviated from the second overhead track in planar view.