End Effector Slides for Tray Transfer Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transfer of trays between tray stack supports designated for specific entities is not always available, leading to inefficiencies in the transportation and sorting of trays containing sensitive items like semiconductor wafers, DNA samples, and pharmaceutical drugs within fabrication facilities.
Innovation Solution
A sorter system is introduced that includes a tray engine with a vertical drive mechanism and an end effector capable of rotating and linearly moving to transfer trays between cassettes and indexers, equipped with a grip assembly and identification systems to read and sequence trays for accurate sorting and transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If trays are manually transferred between tray stack supports, then flexibility in routing trays to designated entities is improved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic tray transfer operations where the tray engine autonomously retrieves trays from source stacks, identifies their destinations using readers, and delivers them to appropriate destination stacks without human intervention, making the system self-sufficient in the transfer process
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical transfer operations are replaced by an automated tray engine system that uses a robotic end effector with grip assemblies actuated by drive mechanisms to mechanically retrieve and deliver trays, substituting human labor with automated mechanical systems
2Productivity
If automated tray transfer system is implemented, then transfer efficiency and accuracy are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated transfer system is divided into distinct functional modules including the tray engine, end effector with multiple grip assemblies, drive mechanisms, and reader systems, allowing each component to be independently designed, maintained, and replaced without affecting the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The tray engine is designed as a universal platform capable of transferring trays between multiple different source and destination stacks, with the end effector able to service various tray types and configurations, reducing the need for dedicated systems for each transfer route
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple grip assemblies are used on the end effector, then tray handling capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple grip assemblies are integrated onto a single end effector structure, combining several tray handling functions into one unified component that can perform multiple operations including gripping, lifting, and positioning trays at different locations
4Measurement precision
If tray identification and sequencing systems are added, then sorting accuracy is improved, but measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Reader systems serve as intermediary devices between the trays and the control system, capturing identification information from trays and translating it into actionable data that directs the tray engine to the correct destination stacks
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector for transferring a tray is described. The end effector includes an end effector base attached to a vertical drive column of a tray engine. The end effector further includes a slide having multiple arms that are attached to the end effector base to support the tray, when present. The arms of the slide enable the tray to slide along a length of the end effector base. The arms face each other and extend along the length of the end effector base.